Speaking during the safe abortion international commemoration Day at Nchalo in Chikwawa on Tuesday, Dr Ngwale said it is heartbreaking that Malawi is among the top countries registering high unsafe abortions related deaths currently hanging at 449 per 100, 000.

“I ask you to mount pressure on your leaders. Take action. Show your Members of Parliament on the importance of this bill. The law cannot change if you do not exert pressure,” said Dr Ngwale.

He added that unlike Malawi, other countries like Zambia have done something to reduce unsafe abortions related deaths, recording 218 deaths per 100, 000.

Gender activist Emma Kaliya has asked Malawians to start reasoning in the interest of addressing sexual reproductive health rights of women and girls.

“We have developed a communication strategy. This will guide us to disseminate proper information to the masses to know the importance of the bill,” said Kaliya.

A 21-year-old girl, Merrie Phiri, from Malemia area in Nsanje, Chief Chimombo of Nsanje and Senior Chief Chapananga of Chikwawa have asked Members of Parliament to act fast by tabling and passing the abortion bill into law.

However, some activists and many faith-based groups have strongly been opposing the passing of the abortion bill, saying doing so is tantamount to giving a person a license to kill and that it is a sin to take a life.