A proposed abortion reform just picked up heavyweight medical backing, with doctors arguing the current setup is driving women toward dangerous backdoor procedures.
Doctors back Clause 11 reform
Doctors back Clause 11 reform
- Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights endorsed Clause 11 of the Medical Services Amendment Bill.
- ZADHR says the change widens access to safe abortion in regulated facilities.
- The statement dated 12 February 2026 framed it as protecting women’s health rights.
- The group links the reform to constitutional healthcare and dignity protections.
- Zimbabwe currently permits abortion only under tightly defined circumstances.
- Clause 11 would revise the Termination of Pregnancy Act of 1977.
- Doctors argue the old statute no longer fits modern public health realities.
- The proposal aims to cut red tape and strengthen informed consent.
- Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey 2023 to 2024 lists maternal mortality at 212 per 100 000 live births.
- ZADHR says unsafe abortion contributes about 16 percent of those deaths.
- Ministry of Health and Child Care and the Guttmacher Institute estimate 65 000 to 80 000 induced abortions yearly.
- Around 25 000 women reportedly need hospital care after unsafe procedures.
- World Health Organisation research is cited by the doctors' group.
- ZADHR argues that restrictive laws fail to lower abortion numbers.
- The association says limits instead push women toward risky methods.
- Reform is presented as evidence-based and aligned with human rights standards.
