Abortion is a common and essential health intervention, with an estimated 73 million induced abortions occurring globally each year.
In a candid conversation with Tsikdem Communication, a woman, mother, and academician, Ruramai Mupatsa [not real name] shared her nuanced perspective on abortion, reflecting the complex realities faced by women, particularly the economically downtrodden.
Her insights highlight the collision of morality, law, and socio-economic factors in shaping decisions around pregnancy termination.
“For many women, family planning methods fail. Others face betrayal, abandonment, or mental breakdowns, leaving them unable to raise a child,” she said.
While acknowledging the moral complexities, she emphasised that motherhood should be a choice, not an accident of circumstance.
Her sentiments echo a larger societal debate where abortion is stigmatised, yet quietly rampant.
Ruramai emphasised that, she does not champion abortion but women should have children by choice and not by mistake.
The current legal framework in many countries forces women to carry unwanted pregnancies to term, often leading to baby dumping or overburdened children’s homes.
The poorest women bear the brunt of these restrictive laws, as they lack access to safe alternatives or the means to navigate their challenges.
The Debate on Conscience and Responsibility
Martin Chakoma [not real name], another participant in the discussion argued against leniency, asserting that legalising abortion could lead to recklessness.
“The human mind is inherently lazy. If abortion becomes easily accessible, people might take fewer precautions,” he said.
However, Ruramai countered that most women do not make such decisions lightly, noting the trauma and guilt often associated with the procedure.
“In countries where abortion is legal, counseling before and after the procedure is mandatory because of its psychological toll. Here, there’s no such mental health support,” she explained, pointing to the urgent need for better awareness and resources.
WHO’s Authoritative Role in Promoting Safe and Accessible Care
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), abortion is very safe when performed by a qualified professional using a method appropriate to the pregnancy duration.
However, barriers to safe, affordable, and timely abortion care force many people into unsafe procedures, which account for 45% of all abortions worldwide.
Unsafe abortions are a major public health concern, contributing significantly to maternal mortality and morbidity.
WHO emphasises that access to safe and respectful abortion care is not only a healthcare priority but also a critical human rights issue.
Through its 2022 consolidated abortion care guideline, WHO advocates for evidence-based policies, universal health coverage, and expanded access to medical abortion methods.
WHO’s approach integrates clinical services, law and policy frameworks, and service delivery innovations to ensure equitable and dignified access to care.
As an authoritative global voice, WHO also works with governments and health systems to adapt its guidelines to local contexts, monitor unsafe abortion trends, and provide technical support.
By advocating for reforms that respect human rights and prioritise healthcare equity, WHO plays a pivotal role in shaping global and national responses to abortion care.
Addressing the Root Causes of Abortion
Experts agree that reducing abortion rates requires addressing the socio-economic conditions driving women to seek termination. Suggestions include:
Access to Contraceptives: Subsidised or free family planning methods and comprehensive sexual education.
Strengthened Maternal Healthcare: Free prenatal and postnatal care and improved emergency services at health centers.
Economic Empowerment: Job opportunities and support systems for single mothers.
Policy Reforms: Revisiting restrictive abortion laws to consider socio-economic realities and offering adoption as a viable alternative.
Community Engagement: Working with religious and cultural leaders to destigmatise contraception and tackle gender inequality.
Beyond the Moral Debate
While discussions often focus on morality and legality, the academician urged society to look deeper. “Poverty and lack of support are at the heart of these issues. Empowering women and addressing these root causes is the only way to reduce abortions meaningfully.”
As the debate rages on, the voices of women like hers remind us that the issue of abortion is not just about laws but also about choice, equity, and the socio-economic barriers that shape lives.