Understanding unsafe abortions among young women in Zimbabwe: A socio-legal study on reproductive rights.

This paper focuses on perceptions, experiences, knowledge and attitudes of young women in Zimbabwe regarding their right to access sexual reproductive health rights (SRHRs). In specific terms, the study narrows down to look at such rights within the context of rising incidences of unsafe abortion practises among young women in Harare, Zimbabwe. The study derives from an explorative qualitative research methodology which combined the use of face-to-face interviews, review of grey literature and material from women organisations and from public health organisations, newspaper articles as well as reports from multi-lateral institutions. The study adopted a sample population of young women and men aged between 18 to 35 years so as to make gendered observations. The paper also involved wide ranging content and interpretive analysis of case laws, statutes, human rights norms and principles from the international, regional and domestic level. In terms of theoretical approach, the study employed the legal consciousness and legal translation analytical approach. The paper found that young women in Zimbabwe faced numerous challenges (legal and non-legal) in seeking sexual reproductive rights (right to safe abortion). As a result, many then ended up engaging in acts and practises of unsafe abortion. This trend persisted aside from the existence of repressive abortion laws in Zimbabwe and the associated unsafe abortion stigma.