Nyale Institute, a non-governmental organization whose mission is to advance sexual and reproductive justice for all has called on all stakeholders to seriously consider the importance of the Termination of Pregnancy Bill saying the bill would address challenges where the current law is falling short.

The organisation’s Executive Director, Dr Godfrey Kangaude, said the bill is crucial in preventing women and girls from resorting to unsafe abortion methods, risking their lives in the process.

Dr Kangaude also highlighted that while termination of pregnancy is restricted by law, but it is essential to understand that “it is not an absolute prohibition.”

“Termination of pregnancy is permissible when the life or health of the pregnant woman or girl is endangered,” he said.

Dr Kangaude also applauded the recent communication from the government of Malawi to the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights which reaffirms its position that termination of pregnancy, is in some cases legally permissible, under the laws of Malawi.

According to Dr Kangaude, 141,000 women induce abortion every year and out of those about 500 die from unsafe abortions, a development which he described as sad and preventable if skilled professionals using the appropriate standards of care were consulted.