Malawi abortion bill: Expert engages health workers on advocacy

As Malawi’s abortion bill continues to spark controversy among citizens, an expert has urged health workers to champion the advocacy of the bill to make its way to Parliament.

The expert, Professor Francis Kamwendo, said health workers must take a big role in advocating for the enactment of the proposed bill for it be a law that will reduce unsafe abortion cases in the country.

Speaking in Machinga district during a meeting with health workers, Kamwendo added that the bill must be looked at with a sober mind arguing that it will help in reducing costs of treating complications that come about due to unsafe abortion.

However the call comes at a time when religious leaders have set to parade to show their discomfort with the bill.

The Roman Catholic and Evangelical Churches have since mobilised a nationwide demonstration against the proposed Termination of Pregnancy bill.

The religious leaders have argued that the passing of the bill into law will reflect tolerance of immoral behavior among Malawians.

Studies have revealed that in Malawi, about 70,000 women have abortions each year. Furthermore, out of those 70,000, about 31,000 develop complications. Out of the 31,000 that develop complications, 20,000 had completely unsafe.

It is also revealed that 17 percent of maternal mortality in Malawi is due to unsafe abortions as are between 30-40 percent of gynecological admissions to local hospitals.

Malawi is currently spending about $500,000 (K362.5 million) a year on providing post-abortion care.