Namibia: Editorial … Abortion is Not the Only Killer

Editorial ... Abortion is Not the Only Killer
Opinions - Editorials | 2017-03-31 11
Editorial

'500 WOMEN die from abortion every year.' Perhaps such should be the news headlines to make Namibians understand we have a crisis, and all because of a lack of empathy.

Health minister Bernard Haufiku tried this week to highlight the magnitude of the problem when he announced that more than 7 300 women were treated at state health centres last year due to “illegal abortions” gone wrong. Haufiku said the figure could be as high as 10 000 –– at least 27 cases a day.

The minister called for “decriminalisation” of abortion, which is outlawed by legislation dating back to 1975. We can only imagine the minister is treading carefully for fear of a backlash from zealots, who view the issue as nothing but a callous crime commited by pregnant women.

Continued at source: The Namibian: http://www.namibian.com.na/52924/read/Editorial--Abortion-is-Not-the-Only-Killer
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31.03.2017

Editorial

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decriminalisation of abortion

Decriminalisation of Abortion in Africa

Health minister Bernard Haufiku

Zambia must protect women’s right to make free sexual and reproductive choices

by Louise Carmody & Bob Mwiinga Munyati, Africa 29 Sep 2016 01:08 (South Africa)

As Zambians took to the polls last month they voted not only for their choice of president, but also in a constitutional referendum proposing changes to the bill of rights. While President Edgar Lungu was declared the winner of the election, political figures lamented the outcome of the failed referendum as a missed opportunity for Zambians to advance protection for social and economic rights after it didn’t meet the 50% voter turnout threshold required to make it a supreme law of the country. By LOUISE CARMODY and BOB MWIINGA MUNYATI.

For many women’s rights advocates, Zambia’s failed referendum is a welcome reprieve. The draft included problematic clauses that could have seriously undermined the human rights of women and girls in Zambia.

[continued at link]
Source: Daily Maverick

29.09.2016