A local non-governmental organization, Abwenzi 360, has called for the removal of restrictive laws on safe abortion, citing rising cases of unsafe abortions among women and girls in Thyolo District.

Abwenzi 360 Programs Manager, Charity Wanja, disclosed that post-abortion care data from Thyolo District Hospital, show that over 500 women and girls have received treatment for complications resulting from unsafe abortions at the facility since January this year.

Wanja that in response to the trend, the organization has rolled out a £75,000, two-year project dubbed ‘Team Sex Workers with funding from the Amplify Change’, which focuses on advocating for the rights and health of the sex workers in two districts of Thyolo ad Nsanje.

Speaking after briefing stakeholders on the project on Thursday, she described the situation as alarming, saying it underscores the urgent need to review abortion laws to safeguard women’s health and rights.

“These numbers are telling us something, there is a surge in unsafe abortions in Thyolo. So we think restrictive laws are not stopping abortions; they are only pushing women into unsafe methods like traditional medicines that put their lives at risk,” said Wanja.

She added: “Through this project, we want to amplify the voices of sex workers and promote access to reproductive health services, including family planning and post-abortion care,” Wanja explained.

On her part, Thyolo District Director of Planning and Development, Thokozire Munthali, acknowledged that while abortion remains illegal in Malawi, the council is supporting the initiatives that promote awareness and prevention.

Munthali emphasized that the district remains committed to collaborating with partners like Abwenzi 360 to advance women’s health and reduce maternal complications linked to unsafe abortions.

“As a council, we will supporting such programs because they help raise awareness on the dangers of unsafe abortions and the importance of prevention of early pregnancies, and accessing post-abortion care services,” said Munthali.

The project will mobilize 45 sex workers networks in Thyolo district using 
K56 million to engage with policy makers about their vulnerability and advocate for their rights, according to Wanja.

A month after the High Court granted survivors of sexual violence the right to access safe abortion services, debate on the matter rages on in the country with religious leaders and others pressing parliament not to review the laws, noting that life is sacred.