A Rundu-based businesswoman, Selma Augustino, said abortion is going to cost Namibia economically if it is legalised.
Augustino’s views come following the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Gender Equality, Social Development and Family Affairs’ public hearings on three petitions received by the National Assembly with regard to the legalisation of abortion in Namibia.
The hearings started on 31 May and will continue until 02 June in the Zambezi, Ohangwena and Kavango regions.
They will deliberate on whether the current Abortion and Sterilisation Act No 2 of 1975 should be reformed.
“Can government take care of the impact of abortion if currently it cannot provide enough contraceptives in health care institutions?” Augustino, who is against legalising abortion, asked.
She further wanted to know if women will receive counselling after they have abortions.
‘Will there be counselling after an abortion and who will pay for it?” she questioned.
She said legalising abortion means taxpayers will have to pay for the abortion process in the country’s state hospitals and for counselling.
“If you are not a woman, don’t assume you can speak on behalf of women. You can only support us and stand with us. Let’s not be ignorant. Economically government is not ready for such an exercise,” Augustino said.
Another community member, Paulus Ndumba Shipusho, who is in favor of the legalisation of abortion, weighed in on the debate, saying laws must be changed when there are problems facing the country.
“Laws cannot remain stagnant. If there are issues that need to be addressed then the constitution can be amended. Our women are being discriminated against by these laws based on the bible,” he said.
Source: The Namibian Press Agency