Health advocates criticize removal of abortion clause from revamped Medical Bill
via NewsDay Zimbabwe7 min read
A coalition of girls' rights and health advocates has voiced disappointment after the Minister of Health and Child Care directed the removal of a provision aimed at liberalizing abortion from the Medical Services Amendment Bill. Clause 11, which sought to align medical legislation with court judgments, was unexpectedly absent during the Bill's Second Reading in the Senate, despite being present in earlier versions. Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care, Sleiman Kwidini, stated the Ministry was surprised by its inclusion in the Senate. Advocates argue that the removal, attributed to misinformation, is a setback for reproductive justice and fails to comply with the Constitution of Zimbabwe and High Court rulings. They clarify that Clause 11 was an administrative reform to remove colonial-era barriers to medical services already legal under the Termination of Pregnancy Act, not an attempt to legalize abortion on demand. Loveness Rukuni, a girls’ rights advocate, emphasized that the clause aimed to ensure timely care for sexual violence survivors and those with life-threatening complications. Onward Chironda, Executive Director of My Age Africa Trust, highlighted the reality of 70,000 unsafe abortions annually in Zimbabwe, stressing that a right existing only on paper is not a real right. The coalition plans to continue engaging the Senate and Parliament to amend the Termination of Pregnancy Act and educate the public to counter misinformation, awaiting Constitutional Court co
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by NewsDay Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe's hospitality sector is facing a significant funding deficit of US$30 million in preparation for the IATF 2029. In related news, Stanbic Bank has committed US$30,000 towards clean-up initiatives in Victoria Falls. Other developments include Fidelity unveiling Zimbabwe's first large-scale residential piped gas project and the ZMX reporting rising confidence with trades reaching US$1.28 million. Zimbabwe also commissioned a specialized honey testing laboratory to enhance export competitiveness and delivered a historic milestone by hosting world-class Table Tennis regional championships. Political tensions at grasslands plots have led to violent attacks and forced evictions, while squatters continue to struggle with trauma from Gukurahundi and state-sponsored violence. The VFEX shows stability, though underlying value is masked, and there are concerns that Zanu PF may ambush Zimbabwe towards a referendum. Despite outdated equipment, Zimbabwe's para-athletes are achieving success, and junior water polo teams are poised for global recognition.
Must ReadZimbabwe has commissioned a specialized honey testing laboratory, a move aimed at enhancing the country's export competitiveness in the honey market. This initiative is expected to support local honey producers in meeting international quality standards and accessing global markets.
Must ReadStanbic Bank has committed US$30,000 to support clean-up initiatives in Victoria Falls. Separately, former legislator Dubeko has filed a challenge with the Constitutional Court regarding President Mnangagwa's term extension. Other news includes government efforts to revive the cotton industry, rising confidence in the Zimbabwe Mercantile Exchange ZMX with trades reaching US$1.28 million, and a report on ART operations being affected by power outages and raw material shortages, leading to a 6% decline in exports and a 26% decline in paper division volumes in the third quarter to June 2022. Additionally, Zimbabwe has commissioned a specialized honey testing laboratory to enhance export competitiveness.