HARARE – A debate on the motion to legalise abortion services in Zimbabwe saw some senators express reservations, particularly regarding the potential strain on the national healthcare system with Chief Ngungumbane, born Zama Ntua, of Mberengwa District voicing his opposition by stating his fear that it would “allow our little girls to enjoy premarital s.e.x.”
The motion, brought before the Senate to address the high incidence of clandestine abortions, sparked a discussion that touched on legal interpretations, cultural values, and the capacity of healthcare facilities.
Chief Ngungubane, while acknowledging the mover’s good intentions, voiced his disagreement with the motion’s content.
He suggested the motion should focus on the “determination of unwanted pregnancy” rather than “legalising abortion,” a term he defined as being outside the confines of the law.
A key concern raised by Chief Ngungumbane was the potential burden on the health system if abortion services were widely available.
He questioned the feasibility of offering such services at all healthcare centers arguing that the move would “allow our little girls to enjoy premarital s.e.x.”
“I think that motion would have made much sense Mr. President. Secondly, as a chief, I am actually surprised and even shocked that our beloved women senators are saying that the laws should be changed to allow abortion.
“That is quite scary Mr. President. To allow abortions, to allow our little girls to enjoy premarital sex, they are doing it. We have forgotten those that have not engaged.
“You are saying let us have a free-for-all when it comes to sexual debut. We are saying let us burden our health system by offering abortion services at all healthcare centres,”
Chief Ngungumbane also highlighted the existing legal framework under Section 48 of the Constitution and the Termination of Pregnancy Act of 1977, suggesting that amendments to current laws might be more appropriate than outright legalisation.
He pointed to a recent High Court judgment that deemed a section of the Act unconstitutional, particularly concerning cases of marital rape and survivors of rape, as an area where parliamentary attention should be focused.
Zanu-PF Senator Omega Hungwe also contributed to the debate by emphasising the Christian values of the nation and citing cultural and ancestral opposition to abortion.
“I want to add that Members of this House should not ruin our culture by going against our culture and prayers. The chief has reminded us that we are all Christians and spoke on one of the commandments that says; thou shall not kill,” Senator Hungwe stated.
“We need to remember that the laws that we pass as Parliament should not be a legacy of failure and the 10th Parliament should not be remembered as one that agreed to pass a law allowing killing.
“The ancestors of this land do not want people who kill. That is why the stay-away protests had no takers because people did not want to kill or spill blood.”
The discussion remains adjourned, with further contributions expected at a later date.
