Fetus or the woman: Whose rights first?
By Joseph Kayira
At a workshop in Lilongwe a few days ago where journalists, priests and health experts discussed how to report on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) including the contentious issue of abortion, it was clear that the nation remains divided on whether or not abortion should be legalized. Organized by leading family planning organization – Banja La Mtsogolo – the workshop’s aim was to equip journalists with knowledge and skills on how to report among others – ‘the magnitude and impact of unsafe abortions in Malawi’.
Some of the topics at the training were: ‘Does our religion and culture promote unsafe abortions?’ and ‘Does it promote safe abortions?’ Other topics included ‘An overview of the termination and pregnancy bill’, ‘The role of the media in law reform’ and ‘How to report on abortion: Language and imagery to use’.
A review of both negative and positive stories on abortion and related issues in the local media revealed some shortcomings on the part of journalists. Out of ignorance or laziness many journalists fail to research before writing or reporting on SRHR. Misconceptions and long-held cultural and religious beliefs tend to have an upper hand when reporting issues related to abortion.
Brian Ligomeka, executive director of Centre for Solutions Journalism – a media organisation that seeks to fight for minority rights – says journalists must guard against reporting on jargon that demean and negatively impact on the health and rights of women – who for reasons – procure abortion.
“Sometimes the reporting on abortion and SRHR is so compromised that you wonder whether or not the journalists do research before they get down to writing stories. So, what we want is to help train journalists to report effectively on sexual and reproductive and health rights. The idea is to widen the scope of journalists when it comes to reporting minority issues and rights issues including abortion,” he says.
Ligomeka adds that abortion should be one of the topical issues that the media should be reporting on extensively “because it is a rights issue.” He says journalists must strive to go beyond misconceptions and myths publicly held regarding abortion law and reforms.
“Tell the people the truth on what the law says on abortion. Seek the views of the people. In the past people had negative attitude about abortion. Those who strongly hold opposing views on this topic should understand that the country cannot continue to deny health rights to women who would want to terminate a pregnancy. The media should write about these things to save thousands of women who die from complications of unsafe abortions,” he says.
So, what kills women? Findings by government indicate that 70,000 women and girls terminate pregnancies every year. Research also shows that 31,000 get treated of complications of unsafe termination of pregnancy while 17 percent of pregnancy-related deaths is attributed to unsafe abortions.
According to research, rural women and girls who have no access to certified health service providers suffer most and resort to using poisonous substances, sharp objects, drug overdose and herbs to carry out an abortion.
A research article ‘Incidence of induced abortion in Malawi, 2015’ says “In Malawi, abortion is legal only if performed to save a woman’s life; other attempts to procure an abortion are punishable by 7–14 years imprisonment. Most induced abortions in Malawi are performed under unsafe conditions, contributing to Malawi’s high maternal mortality ratio.”
The new law on abortion, among others, says girls and women will be allowed to terminate their pregnancies at hospitals with support from qualified health providers where he or she is of the opinion, in good faith that: The continued pregnancy will endanger the life of a pregnant woman; the termination of pregnancy is necessary to prevent injury to the physical or mental health of a pregnant woman; there is severe malformation of the fetus which will affect its viability or compatibility with life; or the pregnancy is a result of rape, incest or defilement: provided that the pregnancy has not exceeded sixteen (16) weeks from the date of conception.
It also outlaws seeking abortion services in hospitals due to socio-economic circumstances of the pregnant women. The proposed law adds: “termination of pregnancy shall not be performed on demand or for any other reason.”
Coalition for the Prevention of Unsafe Abortions (COPUA) says Malawi spends millions of kwachas to treat complications of unsafe abortions and post care abortion complications. It adds: “more painfully, families pay the cost of unsafe abortion when a woman is hospitalized or dies.”
COPUA says there are many reasons why women terminate pregnancies such as extra/ premarital pregnancy, rape or defilement, inability to support more children, to avoid being expelled from church, abusive relationships, desire of young girls to remain in school and pregnancy that is too close to the previous pregnancy.
Renowned Malawian gynaecologist Dr Chisali Mhango says of 213 million pregnancies that occur each year worldwide, 40 percent are unplanned, of these half end in abortion, and half of those abortions are unsafe, that is 22 million, leading to 47,000 deaths from complications that follow.
He says abortion has become a topic issue lately in Malawi and that the views expressed are shaped by religious ideologies, ethics, culture and human rights. Dr Mhango adds that unfortunately many who speak on this issue stray from the subject matter. Many reveal misconceptions and myths publicly held regarding abortion law reform.
“The issue is not whether or not abortion is a good or a bad thing. Neither is it about abortion being legalised because abortion is already legal in this country. The issue is that women are dying in increasing numbers, despite the fact that as long ago as 1930, this country enacted a law specifically designed to prevent or eliminate abortion deaths as our moral duty,” Dr Mhango explains.
The other side of the abortion debate
While health experts, legislators, religious leaders, cultural enthusiasts and other key stakeholders seem not to make headway on the issue, the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) and the Evangelical Association of Malawi (EAM) and the National Taskforce for the Promotion of Life and Family have made their point clear: “human life begins at conception.” In 2016, when the debate on abortion was so heated up, the ECM and EAM protested calls for the abortion bill to be enacted in Parliament at the time through the ‘Citizens March For Life and Family – Lighting the Candle’.
A petition was presented to parliament protesting the enactment of the abortion bill. In a statement the ECM and EAM said: “We note with great concern that human life is under direct attack by “the agents of the culture of death, pushing for the liberalization of abortion in Malawi. The proposed “Termination of Pregnancy Bill”, “Killing of Unborn Children Bill” is not only against our culture, beliefs and laws but it is also a threat to human life. This pressure is clearly manifested under the guise of “safe abortion” or “sexual reproductive health rights” in order to promote the killing of unborn children.
“While rape, incest and defilement are undesirable, evil and sinful acts in the eyes of God, abortions resulting from such cases have no biblical or human rights basis. We would like to state categorically that the contents of the proposed Bill are not representative of the teachings of neither the Roman Catholic Church nor the Evangelical Association of Malawi. All instances of direct abortions, deliberate killing of innocent human beings are gravely evil and sinful.
“We remind all those entrusted with the delicate task of formulating laws that “any country that accepts abortion, is not teaching its people to love, but to use any violence to get what it wants… And if we accept that a mother can kill even her own child how can we tell other people not to kill one another?” (St. Teresa of Calcutta).
“We call upon all Malawians of goodwill to stand up for life by saying NO to the culture of death as manifested in this proposed Bill. Human life must be respected, preserved, and defended from the moment of conception.”
The church said it would “stand up and publicly celebrate and reaffirm the following truths and facts about Life and the Family as enshrined in our laws, beliefs, culture and value systems as a nation”: That human life begins at conception; That human life is sacred; a fundamental value; created in the image of God; dignity of human life; That human life must be preserved, safeguarded and protected with extreme care from conception; That the right to life of the unborn child takes precedence over the right of a woman to control her body and as a result to procure an abortion; That all direct abortions, deliberate killing of an innocent human being are gravely evil and immoral; That sex and marriage are naturally between a man and a woman; That the union of man and woman is the naturally ideal and complete basic unit of a society.
In an interview with The Lamp magazine of December 2017, ECM secretary general Father Henry Saindi commenting on why pro-abortion campaigners were justifying termination of pregnancy said: “What we are saying is simple – even under the rare grounds where the pregnancy is as a result of rape, incest or defilement, there are no Biblical and human rights grounds for abortion.
“While rape, incest or defilement are undesirable, evil and sinful acts in the eyes of God, nowhere in the Bible do we see God instructing believers to abort a life that is conceived as a result of these conditions. This does not in any way suggest that God condones these undesirable and sinful acts. But rather it signifies the fact that human life, starting from conception is sacred before the eyes of God. Justice demands that only perpetrators pay for their crimes, not the innocent unborn child. Spiritual and psycho-social therapy and support services, as well as options for care provision to children born from pregnancies originating from these as well as the mothers should be prioritized.”
So, whose rights should society defend? The rights of the fetus or that of the woman carrying the fetus? Will pro-life advocates and abortion campaigners ever agree that “every person, including the unborn child, not only the mother, has the right to life as ECM and EAM put it? Perhaps this debate calls for another national conference to map the way forward in as far as sexual and reproductive health and rights, including abortion, are concerned.
Thanks for sharing. I read many of your blog posts, cool, your blog is very good.
Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me.
Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.
Почему BlackSprut привлекает внимание?
Сервис BlackSprut удостаивается интерес многих пользователей. Почему о нем говорят?
Этот проект обеспечивает разнообразные возможности для тех, кто им интересуется. Оформление платформы выделяется удобством, что позволяет ей быть понятной даже для тех, кто впервые сталкивается с подобными сервисами.
Необходимо помнить, что данная система обладает уникальными характеристиками, которые формируют его имидж в своей нише.
При рассмотрении BlackSprut важно учитывать, что различные сообщества имеют разные мнения о нем. Некоторые отмечают его функциональность, а кто-то оценивают его неоднозначно.
В целом, эта платформа продолжает быть объектом интереса и вызывает заинтересованность разных слоев интернет-сообщества.
Ищете актуальное зеркало БлэкСпрут?
Хотите найти актуальное зеркало на БлэкСпрут? Мы поможем.
https://bs2best
Иногда ресурс меняет адрес, и тогда нужно знать актуальное зеркало.
Мы следим за изменениями чтобы поделиться актуальным линком.
Проверьте рабочую версию сайта у нас!
На нашей платформе представлены разнообразные слот-автоматы.
Мы предлагаем подборку слотов от ведущих провайдеров.
Каждый слот отличается интересным геймплеем, увлекательными бонусами и максимальной волатильностью.
https://thriveshive.com/a-comprehensive-guide-to-navigating-the-online-casino-world/
Вы сможете играть в демо-режиме или делать реальные ставки.
Навигация по сайту интуитивно понятны, что делает поиск игр быстрым.
Если вас интересуют слоты, здесь вы точно найдете что-то по душе.
Откройте для себя мир слотов — тысячи выигрышей ждут вас!
Understanding palliative care focuses on quality of life for serious illnesses. Learning how it differs from hospice care clarifies its role. Knowing that palliative care can occur alongside curative treatment is important. Awareness that it addresses symptoms, pain, and stress is key. Familiarity with medical preparations used for symptom management is relevant. Finding compassionate information about palliative care supports patients and families. The iMedix podcast addresses supportive care options within healthcare. It serves as a health care podcast discussing holistic patient needs. Listen to the iMedix popular podcasts for discussions on quality of life. iMedix provides trusted health advice for challenging times.
Understanding food labels helps make informed nutritional choices. Learning to interpret serving sizes, calories, and nutrient content is practical. Knowing how to identify added sugars, sodium, and unhealthy fats is key. Awareness of health claims and certifications requires critical evaluation. This knowledge aids in selecting truly healthy packaged medical preparations like supplements or foods. Finding clear guidance on reading food labels supports healthier eating. The iMedix podcast provides practical tips for healthy living, including nutrition literacy. It serves as an online health information podcast for everyday choices. Tune into the iMedix online health podcast for label-reading skills. iMedix offers trusted health advice for your grocery shopping.
Suicide is a tragic topic that affects millions of people worldwide.
It is often connected to emotional pain, such as depression, trauma, or addiction problems.
People who contemplate suicide may feel trapped and believe there’s no solution.
how-to-kill-yourself.com
Society needs to spread knowledge about this subject and offer a helping hand.
Early support can make a difference, and finding help is a brave first step.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, don’t hesitate to get support.
You are not without options, and help is available.
На этом сайте вы можете играть в широким ассортиментом слотов.
Эти слоты славятся живой визуализацией и захватывающим игровым процессом.
Каждый слот предлагает уникальные бонусные раунды, увеличивающие шансы на выигрыш.
1xbet казино слоты
Игра в игровые автоматы предназначена как новичков, так и опытных игроков.
Вы можете играть бесплатно, а затем перейти к игре на реальные деньги.
Испытайте удачу и насладитесь неповторимой атмосферой игровых автоматов.
На этом сайте вы можете наслаждаться широким ассортиментом игровых автоматов.
Эти слоты славятся красочной графикой и увлекательным игровым процессом.
Каждый слот предлагает особые бонусные возможности, повышающие вероятность победы.
1 win
Игра в игровые автоматы предназначена игроков всех уровней.
Есть возможность воспользоваться демо-режимом, и потом испытать азарт игры на реальные ставки.
Попробуйте свои силы и окунитесь в захватывающий мир слотов.
Здесь доступны интересные игровые слоты.
На сайте представлены ассортимент автоматов от топ-разработчиков.
Каждая игра обладает уникальной графикой, дополнительными возможностями и максимальной волатильностью.
https://issionfreak.com/demystifying-the-enthralling-world-of-online-casinos/
Вы сможете запускать слоты бесплатно или делать реальные ставки.
Интерфейс максимально удобны, что облегчает поиск игр.
Если вас интересуют слоты, этот сайт — отличный выбор.
Присоединяйтесь прямо сейчас — тысячи выигрышей ждут вас!
На данной платформе вы обнаружите лучшие игровые слоты на платформе Champion.
Ассортимент игр представляет проверенные временем слоты и актуальные новинки с качественной анимацией и уникальными бонусами.
Любая игра разработан для комфортного использования как на десктопе, так и на смартфонах.
Будь вы новичком или профи, здесь вы сможете выбрать что-то по вкусу.
champion casino
Игры работают круглосуточно и работают прямо в браузере.
Дополнительно сайт предоставляет бонусы и обзоры игр, чтобы сделать игру ещё интереснее.
Начните играть прямо сейчас и насладитесь азартом с казино Champion!
Self-harm leading to death is a complex phenomenon that touches millions of people across the world.
It is often linked to psychological struggles, such as bipolar disorder, trauma, or substance abuse.
People who contemplate suicide may feel trapped and believe there’s no solution.
How to kill yourself painless
Society needs to talk openly about this topic and support those in need.
Prevention can reduce the risk, and finding help is a crucial first step.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, don’t hesitate to get support.
You are not forgotten, and support exists.
Здесь можно найти слоты от казино Vavada.
Каждый гость сможет выбрать слот на свой вкус — от классических аппаратов до видеослотов разработок с анимацией.
Платформа Vavada открывает широкий выбор популярных игр, включая игры с джекпотом.
Каждый слот доступен круглосуточно и адаптирован как для настольных устройств, так и для телефонов.
vavada зеркало
Каждый геймер ощутит настоящим драйвом, не выходя из квартиры.
Интерфейс сайта удобна, что даёт возможность без труда начать играть.
Присоединяйтесь сейчас, чтобы почувствовать азарт с Vavada!
Here, you can discover a wide selection of online slots from famous studios.
Visitors can experience traditional machines as well as new-generation slots with high-quality visuals and interactive gameplay.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gamer, there’s something for everyone.
casino slots
The games are ready to play 24/7 and compatible with PCs and smartphones alike.
All games run in your browser, so you can get started without hassle.
Site navigation is easy to use, making it quick to find your favorite slot.
Sign up today, and discover the world of online slots!
This website, you can discover a great variety of slot machines from top providers.
Users can try out retro-style games as well as feature-packed games with stunning graphics and interactive gameplay.
If you’re just starting out or an experienced player, there’s always a slot to match your mood.
money casino
All slot machines are instantly accessible round the clock and compatible with laptops and tablets alike.
All games run in your browser, so you can get started without hassle.
The interface is easy to use, making it convenient to explore new games.
Join the fun, and dive into the excitement of spinning reels!
Площадка BlackSprut — это хорошо известная онлайн-площадок в даркнете, предлагающая разнообразные сервисы для всех, кто интересуется сетью.
Здесь предусмотрена простая структура, а структура меню простой и интуитивный.
Гости ценят отзывчивость платформы и постоянные обновления.
bs2best.markets
Площадка разработана на удобство и безопасность при использовании.
Если вы интересуетесь инфраструктуру darknet, этот проект станет хорошим примером.
Перед началом не лишним будет прочитать информацию о работе Tor.
Площадка BlackSprut — это хорошо известная точек входа в darknet-среде, предлагающая разнообразные сервисы в рамках сообщества.
В этом пространстве реализована простая структура, а визуальная часть понятен даже новичкам.
Гости ценят быструю загрузку страниц и постоянные обновления.
bs2best.markets
BlackSprut ориентирован на приватность и анонимность при использовании.
Если вы интересуетесь теневые платформы, площадка будет интересным вариантом.
Прежде чем начать рекомендуется изучить информацию о работе Tor.
Этот сайт — цифровая витрина независимого детективного агентства.
Мы оказываем поддержку в решении деликатных ситуаций.
Штат сотрудников работает с абсолютной дискретностью.
Мы занимаемся сбор информации и выявление рисков.
Детективное агентство
Любая задача обрабатывается персонально.
Опираемся на эффективные инструменты и ориентируемся на правовые стандарты.
Нуждаетесь в настоящих профессионалов — добро пожаловать.
This website, you can find a great variety of slot machines from top providers.
Visitors can experience retro-style games as well as feature-packed games with stunning graphics and bonus rounds.
If you’re just starting out or an experienced player, there’s a game that fits your style.
casino slots
Each title are available 24/7 and optimized for laptops and smartphones alike.
All games run in your browser, so you can get started without hassle.
The interface is intuitive, making it simple to explore new games.
Join the fun, and discover the excitement of spinning reels!
This online store offers a large assortment of interior wall-mounted clocks for any space.
You can check out modern and vintage styles to enhance your home.
Each piece is hand-picked for its aesthetic value and reliable performance.
Whether you’re decorating a creative workspace, there’s always a matching clock waiting for you.
best howard miller diana grandfather clocks
The collection is regularly refreshed with new arrivals.
We care about a smooth experience, so your order is always in safe hands.
Start your journey to perfect timing with just a few clicks.
This website offers a great variety of home wall-mounted clocks for any space.
You can explore contemporary and timeless styles to enhance your interior.
Each piece is chosen for its design quality and durability.
Whether you’re decorating a stylish living room, there’s always a perfect clock waiting for you.
small wall clocks
Our catalog is regularly renewed with exclusive releases.
We prioritize secure delivery, so your order is always in professional processing.
Start your journey to timeless elegance with just a few clicks.
Платформа предлагает поиска занятости по всей стране.
Вы можете найти актуальные предложения от настоящих компаний.
Сервис собирает вакансии в разнообразных нишах.
Частичная занятость — решаете сами.
Работа для киллера Украина
Интерфейс сайта интуитивно понятен и подходит на широкую аудиторию.
Регистрация не потребует усилий.
Готовы к новым возможностям? — начните прямо сейчас.
This website, you can discover lots of online slots from leading developers.
Players can experience traditional machines as well as feature-packed games with stunning graphics and interactive gameplay.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, there’s always a slot to match your mood.
casino
The games are ready to play 24/7 and designed for desktop computers and mobile devices alike.
No download is required, so you can start playing instantly.
Site navigation is intuitive, making it convenient to browse the collection.
Join the fun, and enjoy the world of online slots!
Предстоящее лето обещает быть непредсказуемым и нестандартным в плане моды.
В тренде будут свободные силуэты и минимализм с изюминкой.
Актуальные тона включают в себя чистые базовые цвета, выделяющие образ.
Особое внимание дизайнеры уделяют аксессуарам, среди которых популярны макросумки.
https://telegra.ph/Burberry-za-chto-my-lyubim-britanskij-modnyj-brend-03-27
Возвращаются в моду элементы 90-х, в свежем прочтении.
На подиумах уже можно увидеть трендовые образы, которые поражают.
Будьте в курсе, чтобы вписаться в тренды.
Предстоящее лето обещает быть непредсказуемым и экспериментальным в плане моды.
В тренде будут асимметрия и минимализм с изюминкой.
Цветовая палитра включают в себя природные тона, создающие настроение.
Особое внимание дизайнеры уделяют тканям, среди которых популярны объёмные украшения.
https://furluxury.ru/fur/2024-09-27-7-luchshih-sumok-jacquemus-2024-goda-stil-smelost-i-frantsuzskiy-shik/
Снова популярны элементы ретро-стиля, через призму сегодняшнего дня.
На подиумах уже можно увидеть трендовые образы, которые удивляют.
Не упустите шанс, чтобы создать свой образ.
Данный ресурс предлагает поиска работы на территории Украины.
Вы можете найти свежие вакансии от настоящих компаний.
Мы публикуем вакансии в различных сферах.
Подработка — решаете сами.
https://my-articles-online.com/
Интерфейс сайта простой и рассчитан на любой уровень опыта.
Начало работы очень простое.
Нужна подработка? — сайт к вашим услугам.
This website, you can find a wide selection of slot machines from famous studios.
Users can experience traditional machines as well as modern video slots with stunning graphics and exciting features.
Even if you’re new or an experienced player, there’s a game that fits your style.
casino games
Each title are available round the clock and optimized for laptops and mobile devices alike.
No download is required, so you can start playing instantly.
Platform layout is easy to use, making it quick to find your favorite slot.
Register now, and discover the excitement of spinning reels!
This website, you can discover lots of slot machines from famous studios.
Visitors can experience retro-style games as well as modern video slots with high-quality visuals and bonus rounds.
If you’re just starting out or a casino enthusiast, there’s a game that fits your style.
slot casino
Each title are available anytime and optimized for laptops and smartphones alike.
All games run in your browser, so you can get started without hassle.
Platform layout is intuitive, making it simple to browse the collection.
Register now, and discover the world of online slots!
Here, you can access a wide selection of casino slots from top providers.
Players can try out traditional machines as well as new-generation slots with stunning graphics and bonus rounds.
Even if you’re new or a seasoned gamer, there’s always a slot to match your mood.
play aviator
Each title are ready to play 24/7 and optimized for PCs and mobile devices alike.
You don’t need to install anything, so you can jump into the action right away.
The interface is intuitive, making it simple to browse the collection.
Join the fun, and dive into the excitement of spinning reels!