Repeal Retrogressive Abortion Law – MP Tells Govt After Landmark Mental Health Ruling
Thandiwe Garusa26th November 2025
MEMBER of Parliament for Hwange Central, Daniel Molokele, has called for the repeal of the Termination of Pregnancy Act of 1977, describing it as “one of the most retrogressive laws” in Zimbabwe.
Molokele was speaking at a press conference, Tuesday in Harare, which coincided with the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence campaign.
His remarks come in the wake of a landmark High Court ruling recognising mental health as grounds for legal abortion after health rights advocate, the Community Working Group on Health (CWGH) challenged the abortion law for excluding mental-health patients’ vulnerability and denying them access to lawful termination in cases of abuse.
The ruling now awaits Constitutional Court confirmation, then parliament will be required to amend the Termination of Pregnancy Act to include mental-health risk as grounds for abortion.
Molokele, a HeForShe champion, urged the Ministry of Justice and the Parliamentary Legal Committee to go beyond mere amendments and completely repeal the statute.
“I urge the Ministry of Justice, Parliamentary Legal Affairs, not just to amend the law but to repeal the entire law. We do not need the amendment act, it is irrelevant, its time has come to an end.
He also said parliament had already made initial steps toward broadening access to safe abortion after new clauses were added to the Medical Services Amendment Bill a few weeks ago, aimed at improving access to reproductive health services.
“Some of you may not be aware, but when we were at the National Assembly addressing the Medical Services Amendment Bill, certain clauses were inserted that seek to increase access to safe abortion in this country,” he said.
The legislator also criticised the current law for limiting access to safe abortion to only a small, privileged group.
“Safe abortion should be accessible to more women in this country; it must not be a preserve for a few people because under the current termination pregnancy act, only rich Zimbabweans who are politically connected can access safe abortions.
“The rest of us have to face the horrendous statistics that we are having, at least 60,000 deaths annually related to unsafe abortion.” *NewZW*
