Unwanted Pregnancies

Access to SRHR information and services remains a challenge for many young Zimbabweans. This fuels unwanted and teenage pregnancies; and eventually unsafe abortions. According to the Zimbabwe Demographic Health Survey (2015), the unmet need for Family Planning among adolescent girls was 12.6%. Zimbabwe committed to reduce it to 8.5% by 2020.

The campaign aim is to demystify abortion, challenge stereotypes and the dominant discourse around abortion that interprets abortion as an escape from punishment for unsanctioned sexual acts. The campaign challenges law makers to ensure full liberalization of abortion laws so that women can gain full control over their bodies and sexuality. It further challenges government to tackle procedural barriers to contraceptive access by unmarried young women and girls.

The government should also implement existing laws without prejudice; unsure unfettered access where abortion is legal according to the Termination of Pregnancy Act of 1977; i.e. where the pregnancy is as a result of rape or incest, or if the mother’s health is under threat as a result of the pregnancy.