Coalition for the Prevention of Unsafe Abortion (Copua) youth permanent committee chairperson Kettie Mikwala has encouraged young people to access reproductive health services to prevent unsafe abortions.
The call comes after the organisation’s research established that unsafe abortion contributes to 18 percent of maternal deaths in Malawi.
In her remarks on Tuesday in Balaka District during the commemoration of International Safe Abortion Day, Mikwala said it was important for women and girls to access reproductive health services to prevent unplanned pregnancies.
“I call for concerted efforts by government, non-governmental organisations, traditional and religious leaders to ensure women and girls have access to family planning and other sexual and reproductive health services,” she said.
Paramount Chief Kawinga of the Yao challenged stakeholders to clarify its position on the proposed Termination of Pregnancy Bill, saying a clear stance will help protect women and girls from unnecessary deaths caused by unsafe abortion.
He said restrictive abortion laws are forcing girls and young women to resort to unsafe procedures because they have limited access to safe options.
Parliamentary Committee on Health member Jeremiah Jumbe said Parliament needed to review abortion laws to help save the lives of women whose pregnancies threaten their health.
“There is need to review the laws relating to abortion, because this is the only way we can save women’s lives,” he said.
Quadria Muslim Ulama National Council chairperson Jimu Omar Sulaimana said Islam prohibits abortion, but allows it when continuing a pregnancy endangers the mother’s life.
Father Martin Kalimbe of the Anglican Church, who is also board chairperson of the Religious Leaders Network for Comprehensive Health through Options through Innovative Community Engagement, said religious leaders have a duty to help pregnant women access safe abortion services when their lives were at risk.
The commemoration was held under the theme ‘Solidarity in action for advancement of reproductive justice in Malawi for reduction of maternal morbidity and mortality from unsafe abortion
