Katswe calls for review of termination of pregnanc...

Katswe calls for review of termination of pregnancy laws as woman commits infanticide

International Human Rights and Abortion: Spotlight on Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health | Center for Reproductive Rights

Zim Now Writer

A-24-year-old woman from Chitungwiza was yesterday arrested for unlawful termination of pregnancy.

On January 24, Tanyaradzwa Dondo was caught while digging a shallow grave intending to bury a plastic bag which had two foetuses in Unit G, Seke, Chitungwiza.

The foetuses were taken to Chitungwiza General Hospital for post mortem.

Police last year indicated that they are receiving an average of three cases involving baby dumping per week.

This latest case has incited debate on social media. Netizens on Twitter have weighed in to question the state of abortion in the country, with many supporting the legalisation of abortion.

The 1977 Termination of Pregnancy Act says abortion is only legally permitted under certain circumstances and if conducted illegally, it carries a penalty of up to five years in jail and or a fine.

A 2019 study by PLOS ONE shows that in 2016 alone, 66 800 abortions were carried out and the number rose to 80 000 in 2019.

Katswe Sistahood Programmes Manager Debra Mwase said unlawful pregnancy termination is increasing partly due to high rates of unintended pregnancies caused by low access to contraceptives.

“There is need to increase access to contraceptives, sex education and provide social safety nets for parenting adolescents and poor families,” she said.

She also said abortion laws should be expanded to cater for those too poor to have another child.

Calls have been made by lawmakers to amend the country’s 1977 abortion amid growing awareness of the large number of teenage girls dying from backstreet abortions.