Shun abortion: First Lady
FIRST LADY Auxillia Mnangagwa, who is also the country’s health and childcare ambassador, has urged young women to respect the sanctity of life by shunning abortion, saying it also posed danger to their lives.
She was speaking at Mabelreign Girls High School during the launch of a book titled, “Abortion has consequences,” authored by Imelda Tsumba.
The First Lady said even the Bible teaches humankind to respect life.
“I believe as a nation we should protect the life of every child, including the life of an unborn baby. I strongly hope that there is divine destiny for every child,” she said.
“The Bible in Jeremiah 1 verse 5 says; ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations’. We can take the same verse and say if it is today, that child could be tomorrow’s First Lady, professor, minister, pastor or even the President.
“As a mother, I am calling for the best for our girls, I am saying abortion is not the best option. The title of the book we are launching today clearly states that abortion has consequences. Some of the consequences we have heard include damage to the womb, infections, excessive bleeding or even death.
“Some of them are hidden silently in the heart and mind of the suffering woman and they include guilt, self-condemnation, thoughts of suicide and anxiety.”
Amai Mnangagwa urged the young women to read the book and understand the depth of the consequences of abortion which she said were long term. “I want to urge boys, men, girls and women to be responsible and recognise the sanctity of life,” she said
“So as a mother I encourage my children to be responsible. Do not be deceived, sex has consequences; so has abortion. Parents, brothers, sisters, teachers, pastors and community leaders, I urge you all to be the beam of hope for these children. I humbly request men to take responsibility. It takes two for a child to be conceived, and as families and communities, we can work to preserve life. Responsibility is our vital solution.”
Amai Mnangagwa said while there were other sectors advocating for the legalisation of abortion, young women should know that every child was a gift from God.
She said there was need for society to address stigma and some societal norms that are compelling young women to think abortion is a solution. “As a mother, I encourage our families to be role models to the girls so that when our girls get pregnant, we support them.
“When they are denied by the other side, the family of the boy will seek for an alternative way, which is abortion and we say no to abortion,” she said.
Primary and Secondary Education Minister Professor Paul Mavima said reading books helps in moulding one’s character and enhance knowledge and wisdom. “In our system, a book
is a tool and a means to attain effective quality education. Those who want to write should be committed to quality and should be committed to communicating real value messages to the audience, especially when they are writing to our audience,” he said.
“This book will help our children in maintaining values and I hope all our schools will adopt this book and make it available, especially to the adolescent girl child so that they are taught the values.”
Ms Tsumba said she saw it fit to write a book educating women and girls on the effects of abortion.