Swaziland: Abortion remains a controversial issue

After banning abortion in the country, but then leaving an option for its eventual legalization, the new draft constitution typifies the ambiguous feeling most Swazis have toward the procedure. Abortion is unlikely to be seen as a tool to curb population growth any time soon, according to the draft constitution. Under Chapter IV, “Protection and Promotion of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms,” section 16, clause 5 states, “Abortion is unlawful.” However, the word “unlawful” is followed by the qualifying word “except on grounds where the continued pregnancy will endanger the life or constitute a serious threat to the physical health of the woman, where there is a serious threat to the mental health of a woman, or there is serious risk that the child will suffer from physical or mental defect of such a nature that the child will be irreparably seriously handicapped.”