adminFRANCISTOWN. – Botswana’s Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Botlogile Tshireletso has called for the legalisation of abortion. In a telephone interview with Xinhua, Tshireletso revealed that many female citizens in the diamond rich nation are forced to conduct illegal backyard abortions as the operation is forbidden by the law.
“There are daily police reports of illegal abortions,” said Tshireletso. She added that it is the high time the government of Botswana should emulate African countries like South Africa and Cape Verde where abortion is legal.
She said legalising abortion will end the “real tragedy” of backstreet termination of pregnancies.
“Backstreet abortion is a taboo subject but a real tragedy,” said the minister, adding that many women in Botswana are resorting to the operation due to high levels of poverty and lack of support from their partners.
According to available statistics from the police, 450 incidents of illegal abortions were registered in 2012, while in 2013 until October, a total of 530 cases were reported.
“These things are worrisome. They are the works of backyard abortions. I therefore call on government to make abortion legal so that desperate pregnant women can have access to safer, legal and decent operations,” she said. – Xinhua.
Online Reporter