Communities call for abortion bill enactment

Communities in Nkhata Bay have called on Parliament to enact the Termination of Pregnancy Bill into law to save women through safe abortion.

The call follows meetings Coalition for Prevention of Unsafe Abortion (Copua) had on Wednesday with 80 faith leaders and traditional leaders in the district.

The current Malawi Penal Code prohibits abortion unless the woman’s life is in danger.

Speaking at one of the meetings at Tukombo Community Hall in the district, group village head Mzilakoma said enacting the bill into law would prevent women from unsafe abortions.

On his part, the Reverend Hawa Mwale of Free Methodist Pentecostal Church said they support the amendment of the abortion law.

“We have now information about the Bill. So, we have no problem seeing it being passed in Parliament,” he said.

In his remarks, safe abortion activist Patrick Zgambo said it is nice that the Bill is now getting grass roots support.

“We are pleased that people on the ground are supporting the Bill. It is our hope that it will pass once it goes to Parliament for tabling,” he said.

In 2016, members of various religious groups in the country held street protests against the bill.

Statistics from the Ministry of Health show about 70 000 women seek unsafe abortion each year, and nearly 30 000 of them result in complications, and sometimes death.