ZADHR backs abortion access clause in Medical Services Amendment Bill

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

• 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.

Current law and proposed shift

• 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.

Maternal health statistics cited

• 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.

Global evidence and public health claim

• 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.