Catholic Bishops Oppose Zimbabwe’s Proposed Abortion Law, Say It Gives Women An ‘Open Cheque’

Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Declare War On New Abortion Law

Zimbabwe’s Catholic bishops have publicly opposed proposed changes to the country’s abortion laws, warning that the reforms amount to an “open cheque” for terminating pregnancies. The bishops say the Bill risks eroding constitutional protections for the unborn and could fundamentally alter how the State treats the right to life. Their intervention comes as Parliament considers amendments that would significantly widen access to abortion services.

The position was outlined in a press statement issued on Wednesday by the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ZCBC), as debate around abortion law reform continues to intensify across the country.

Bishops Appeal Directly To Senate

The bishops made a direct appeal to lawmakers, urging Senators to reject the proposed legislation when it comes before the Upper House.

In their statement, the bishops said:

“We ask that you uphold your constitutional responsibility to protect the right to life of unborn children to the maximum degree possible. By voting against this Bill, ensure that State laws and administrative policies do not facilitate or normalise abortion.”

They added that their opposition did not end with rejection alone, saying they were prepared to engage Parliament on alternatives.

“We further express our willingness to work with you in developing supportive legislation that offers morally acceptable alternatives to abortion, including robust prenatal care, counselling, and sustained support for vulnerable women and children.”

The statement was published by NewZimbabwe on Wednesday, placing the bishops firmly on one side of a long-running national debate.

‘Contrary To African And Christian Values’

Beyond Parliament, the bishops also appealed to Christians and the wider public, framing the proposed law as a threat to cultural and religious values.

They said:

“We appeal to all Christians and all people of goodwill to take a firm stand against this proposed Bill, which strikes at the heart of our African and Christian moral heritage.”

The bishops stressed that abortion should not be viewed as a solution once a pregnancy has already been established.

“Abortion cannot be used as a means of resolving conflict over a child already living in the womb of its mother.”

They described abortion as one of the defining human rights issues of the present era, extending beyond religious belief.

“As Catholic Bishops of Zimbabwe, we acknowledge our duty to speak clearly in defence of life at every stage and in every circumstance. In our time, abortion has emerged as a fundamental human rights issue that confronts all people of good will, not only believers.”

Law Reform Sparks Deep Division

Zimbabwe’s current abortion law is governed by the Termination of Pregnancy Act of 1977. It allows abortion only when the mother’s life is at risk, when the foetus has severe abnormalities, or when pregnancy results from rape or incest.

Civic organisations have argued for years that these restrictions leave many women without safe and legal options. That advocacy has informed proposals contained in the Medical Services Amendment Bill.

The Bill seeks to allow abortion on request during the first trimester, extend certain legal grounds up to 20 weeks, remove the requirement for a magistrate’s approval in rape or incest cases, and permit minors under 18 to access services without parental consent.

Late in 2025, the High Court ruled that aspects of the 1977 Act were unconstitutional, particularly regarding victims of sexual abuse and women with mental health conditions. That ruling accelerated legislative review.

Supporters of reform point to estimates of more than 70,000 unsafe abortions each year, arguing that change is necessary to protect women’s health. Religious groups, however, say the amendments undermine moral and cultural foundations.

The Bill remains before Parliament.