Govt to Modernise Outdated Family Planning Law

Oscar J Jeke- Zim Now Reporter

Cabinet has approved principles to amend the Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council Act [Chapter 15:11], paving the way for a comprehensive overhaul of the 1985 law to align it with contemporary realities in reproductive health, demographic trends, and population management.

The review will broaden the Act’s scope from “family planning,” traditionally associated with limiting the number of children, to “population planning,” a term reflecting a wider set of goals, including inclusive reproductive health services for adolescents, youth, men, and diverse communities.

Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas T. Mombeshora described the current Act as “very outdated” and no longer suited to Zimbabwe’s developmental needs.

“This is an Act that was promulgated on 1 August 1985. It’s very outdated. The first priority is to change from family planning to population planning, because family planning implies a limited scope of work for the council… Population planning involves much more,” he said.

Dr Mombeshora noted that the existing legislation does not adequately address the reproductive health needs of adolescents and young people, nor does it provide for the involvement of men in population planning.

“The current Act does not address the needs of adolescents and young people, and it excludes men from population planning. The new amendments will be inclusive, with a focus on adolescents and youth,” he emphasised.

The proposed amendments will also prioritise community participation and strengthen primary health care as a cornerstone of population management.

“Amendments will include community involvement and emphasise primary health care in managing population demographics, which have become crucial for development,” Dr Mombeshora explained.

Beyond inclusivity, the revised Act will be harmonised with Zimbabwe’s broader policy frameworks and global commitments, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), and Family Planning 2030. It will also comply with governance provisions under the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act to improve accountability, oversight, and quality assurance in service delivery.

Dr Mombeshora stressed that the reforms represent a strategic shift in how Zimbabwe approaches reproductive health and demographic planning.

“Population demographics have become very crucial for development… Changing the name is the first step in this amendment,” he said.

Government says the updated law will ensure reproductive health policies are inclusive, rights-based, and responsive to emerging social and health challenges.