Research Reveals Alarming Rates of Unsafe Abortions in Malawi
Ipas study uncovers unsafe abortion crisis, calls for comprehensive RH services , writes Meclina Chirwa.
LILONGWE, Malawi - Ipas Africa-Southern Region conducted a research study to determine the magnitude of unsafe abortions in the country, uncovering concerning statistics that highlight the urgent need for comprehensive reproductive health services, writes Meclina Chirwa.
The research findings indicate that Lilongwe, the capital city, has recorded the highest number of cases, followed by Blantyre.
"The lack of reproductive justice caused by the failure to expand access to safe abortion and contraception is contributing to the problem," stated Ipas Africa Southern Region Health Systems Advisor, Christopher Kandionamaso.
Malawi currently faces one of the highest maternal mortality ratios globally, with the shocking statistic that "there is a one in 29 chance that a 15-year-old girl in Malawi will eventually die from a pregnancy-related condition," Kandionamaso added.
Unsafe abortions significantly contribute to the high maternal mortality rates in Malawi.
"According to recent estimates, complications from abortion are the cause of 6–18% of maternal deaths," explained Kandionamaso.
The research conducted by Ipas Malawi in 2022 revealed distressing figures, with "over thirty-two thousand abortion cases and 17 deaths" registered in the country.
Kandionamaso emphasised the need to strengthen Malawi's family planning programmes to address the issue.
"This will help to reduce the number of unintended pregnancies and consequently reduce the need for abortion," he said.
Furthermore, Kandionamaso highlighted the unfriendly legal environment for women and girls in Malawi.
He explained that restrictive laws lead to unsafe practises, stating, "Women and girls are indulging in such malpractices because the legal environment is not friendly to them. So women and girls can induce themselves at home when they experience a challenge; that’s when they rush to the facility for evacuation."
Richard Mvula, Public Relations Officer for the Lilongwe District Health Office, discussed the efforts being made to provide quality sexual and reproductive health services.
Mvula emphasised that "the Ministry of Health is implementing a comprehensive sexual reproductive health services strategy whereby services are taken to the rural areas. We have trained service providers at the facility as well as at the community level. These people work hand in hand with the ministry, and they provide family planning commodities right in remote areas. We have all types of family planning methods which are given to people, including young people."
Ipas, a leading advocate for reproductive rights, continues to stress that "all people have the right to make fundamental decisions about their own bodies and health."
However, economic, cultural, religious, and systematic barriers hinder access to safe and legal abortion care, even when it is available.
Currently, abortion in Malawi is only legal to save a woman's life.
"Obtaining an abortion for any other reason is punishable by 7–14 years in prison," as per the country's laws.
The research conducted by Ipas Africa-Southern Region serves as a wake-up call for policymakers, healthcare providers, and society as a whole to address the urgent need for comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services in Malawi.
Fostering an environment that ensures reproductive justice, access to safe abortions, and contraception is crucial to safeguarding the health and well-being of women and girls in the country.