The debate on the morality of abortion centres on the issue of when human life actually begins. Based on biological and psycho-social considerations, different views have been expressed at the beginning of life, ranging from two weeks to nine months.
At the lower end of the spectrum is the embryological view, which states that life begins at gastrulation – the point at which a developing embryo forms district layers that grow into different organs, approximately 14 days after sexual intercourse when the sperm and the ovum are united.
This portion is countered by the neurological view that life begins during six to 24 weeks when the brain of the foetus produces measurable waves. It is the ecological view that life begins at 25 to 27 weeks following conception when the foetus can survive outside the uterus. At the upper end of the spectrum is the birth view that life begins at seven to nine months when the foetus emerges and separates from the body of the mother – whether naturally or surgically a child is born. It is argued that birth may occur at nine months, but it frequently occurs several weeks earlier.
Although the word ‘abortion’ is not mentioned in the Bible, there are numerous references to the issue of abortion. For illustration, Exodus 21:22-23 – “If men strive and hurt a woman with child so that her fruit depart from her yet no mischief follows: he shall be surely punished, according as the women’s husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. 23 And if any mischief follows, then thou shalt give life for life” (KJV).
It is seen here that a distraction is made between the penalty that is to be exacted for the loss of the foetus, and a fine is paid as determined by the husband and the judges. Evidently, God considers the foetus and condemns its destruction.
The official Catholic Church position in France on abortion is that the act amounts to a termination of human life. This position, although contested from within the organisation is based on the sacred and absolute principle of respect for life, the beginning of human life at conception and the responsibility to protect the foetus as a human being.
In the abortion debate, distraction is made between spontaneous abortion or involuntary termination of pregnancy due to biological complications with the mother and voluntary pregnancy termination or induced abortion, which is the subject of this article.
There is no disagreement on the issue of involuntary abortion in societies; the general remedy is to strengthen pregnant women’s access to antenatal medical support within the national health system, promote healthy lifestyles as well as ensure adequate nutrition.
However, when a pregnancy is voluntarily terminated, it raises all kinds of moral, religious, social and psychological reactions in many societies, including in Namibia.
At each stage of life’s progression – both the individual and the state must play their role to ensure the circumstances of birth, the available chores in life and the factors associated with death do not play out in violation of human rights. Although exposure to sexual intercourse is an integral part of human freedom, society has a role to play in determining, in the interest of young ones, when the time is ripe for such an encounter and under what circumstances, as well as to protect the rights of the women to refuse.
Society has the responsibility to guide young ones and adults on marriage and related matters for the protection of their welfare and in the interest of the family.
Every individual has the right to marry or stay out of a defined union. While traditional society places importance on childbearing within marriage, evidence shows that an increasing proportion of children born are outside marital unions.
The National Health Policy Framework 2010-2020 notes with concern that unplanned pregnancies occur with all the negative consequences, especially for the teenage mother and baby. Reference is made to baby dumping as an extreme consequence of this phenomenon. It is reported that many young girls resort to illegal abortion to get rid of unwanted pregnancies (Namibian 2 June 2022).
Women procure abortion illegally because the law forbids abortion, but illegal abortion is largely unsafe, and it often results in life-threatening consequences.
Yet, unwanted pregnancies have been increasing in the country. By 2000, 46% of women reported that their last birth was mistuned or unwanted at the time of conception – and by 2007, this figure increased to 54%.
Given that about half of this figure represents unwanted fertility, the basis for illegal abortion seems to have been well-established in Namibia.
In 2015, the Ministry of Health and Social Services recorded 7 335 abortion cases between April and December.
According to the record, only 138 of these were medical, while the rest were non-medical or illegal street abortions.
The ministry also recorded 103 material deaths from April 2015 to November 2016, with abortion being one of the contributions. Then the Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr Bernhard Haufiku, revealed that in March 2017, more than 7 100 women had been treated at public health faculties in one year for complications arising from suspected illegal abortion.
He also stated that the situation was “Completely out of control” and said that the numbers reflected only the tip of the iceberg, as many did not seek medical help.
Pain is everywhere, and it is a reality. It is part of life. This is why God has called the church and society to be there alongside God’s creation. Therefore, it is the responsibility of us all to put an end to this social evil and lift the people from the drowning river of abortion and its pain.
*Reverend Jan. A. Scholtz is the former Chairperson of ||Kharas Regional and former !Nami#nus constituency regional councillor. He holds a Diploma in Theology, B-Theo (SA), a Diploma in Youth Work and Development from the University of Zambia (UNZA), as well as a Diploma in Education III (KOK) BA (HED) from UNISA.