Youth, Women Push MPs on Abortion Law in Malawi's Mzimba
Women's rights groups have campaigned to ease the strict law, which can discourage those needing abortions from seeking medical care.
MZIMBA, Malawi — Some youth and women in Mzimba have expressed worry over a lack of commitment by members of parliament to table and deliberate the Termination of Pregnancy bill, writes Victoria Yande.
During a stakeholder meeting Saturday, representatives expressed frustration that Mzimba East MP Wachepa Phiri failed to attend despite being invited to hear their concerns over the long-delayed Termination of Pregnancy bill.
"The bill will allow women to medically terminate pregnancies that come from rape, incest and malformation of fetus," said Pearson Malisau, Mzuzu youth chairperson for the Coalition for Prevention of Unsafe Abortion.
Weziwawo Nyirenda, a female youth champion, vowed continued engagement with lawmakers is needed "to save lives of women who are risking lives through unsafe abortion."
Health worker Joice Munkhondya of Mzimba South District Hospital said many women and girls face complications from dangerous traditional abortion methods due to the legal restrictions.
Phiri acknowledged missing the meeting due to another commitment but said he would make himself available to discuss the issue after the groups arrange another opportunity.
The meeting was organized by Mzimba youth with backing from the Malawi Sexual Reproductive Health Rights Alliance's "Breaking Barriers" project promoting advocacy for social justice.
Abortion remains illegal in most cases in Malawi, permitted only to save a woman's life.
Women's rights groups have campaigned to ease the strict law, which can discourage those needing abortions from seeking medical care.