Abortion debate flares up again :: Mmegi Online

The complications of unsafe, illegal abortions are a significant cause of maternal mortality in Botswana. Many women and young girls’ reproductive rights remain suppressed because abortion remains illegal in Botswana, even though many agree it is a woman’s right to decide when to bear a child or not. Mmegi Correspondent NNASARETHA KGAMANYANE writes

Recently, Lorraine Maseng, a University of Botswana student studying Social Work hosted a debate on Human Rights versus Abortion to find people’s opinions on legalising abortion in Botswana. The debate naturally drew mixed reactions with some arguing that it is high time the government decriminalised abortion, while others were completely against this, saying such an act would be a violation of the unborn child’s rights and would also be ungodly.

The heated debate amongst stakeholders mirrored the dialogue going on countrywide on whether to legalise abortion. As the debate on the death penalty, the divisions are stark. The entire affair is ‘either’, ‘or’ with no middle ground.

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