Parliament has committed to consider calls for safe abortion law reforms amid revelations that unsafe abortions contribute to 18 percent of maternal deaths in Malawi.

Member of the Parliamentary Health Committee, Jeremiah Jumbe, said the committee will present sexual and reproductive health and rights needs to Parliament to support law reforms.

Jumbe made the remarks during the commemoration of International Safe Abortion Day, held under the theme “Solidarity in Action for Advancement of Reproductive Justice in Malawi for Reduction of Maternal Morbidity and Mortality from Unsafe Abortion.”

He said the committee’s role is to represent the health needs of Malawians that require funding, legal review and policy direction.

“Our job is to represent the health needs of Malawians that require funding, legal review and policy direction. Your health SRHR needs will be presented to the Parliamentary Health Committee to support law reforms on safe abortion,” said Jumbe.

The call for reforms was strongly backed by Paramount Chief Kawinga of Machinga, who said colonial-era laws should not continue dictating health choices for Malawians in the modern age.

“Colonial laws should not dictate our health choices in this millennial age. Safe abortion, where necessary, should be recognized by the nation legally,” said Paramount Chief Kawinga.

The Paramount Chief has also challenged government to make its position on abortion clear.

In what appears to be a shift in position, religious leaders have also backed the provision of safe abortion services where the mother’s life is at risk.

Sheikh Jimu Omar Sulaimana, Chairperson of the Quadria Muslim Ulama National Council, said while Islam does not condone abortion, it is important to assist pregnant women whose lives are at risk.

Father Martin Kalimbe of the Anglican Church, who is also Board Chairperson of the Religious Leaders Network for Comprehensive Health through Options through Innovative Community Engagement (CHOICE), said he has a duty to assist pregnant women to access safe abortion services when their lives are at risk.

Youth Permanent Committee Chairperson for the Coalition for Prevention of Unsafe Abortion (COPUA), Kettie Mikwala, said Malawi continues to face challenges related to unsafe abortions, describing the 18 percent maternal death figure as alarming.

Kalembo Youth Network Chairperson Dinnah Mussah said girls in her area face gender-based violence and unplanned pregnancies and need access to safe abortion as part of an essential health package.

Meanwhile, Member of Parliament for Balaka Ulongwe Constituency, Idrissa Ngunga, emphasized abstinence among teenage girls as one way of preventing unwanted pregnancies.