Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR) has expressed concern over the refusal by Members of Parliament (MPs) to deliberate on the motion on the Termination of Pregnancy Bill.

Lawmakers from both government and opposition sides blocked deliberations on the Bill in Parliament on Thursday.

Speaking to YFM, CHRR Executive Director, Michael Kaiyatsa, described the development as unfortunate.

Kaiyatsa said: “It’s very unfortunate and disappointing because as a country we have waited for a long time for this bill to come to Parliament and we expected the Members of Parliament to debate and pass the bill but it was a sad day for all Malawians especially women and girls who are dying because of unsafe abortions.”

When asked on the way forward, Kaiyatsa vowed that human rights activists will continue fighting for the passing of Bill.

Termination of pregnancy bill, would create grounds for safe abortion of unwanted pregnancies.

The Bill was first introduced nearly five years ago, and has been facing strong opposition from different quarters including church groups.

In 2016, Catholic Church congregation took to the streets denouncing the bill.