Illegal abortion: A damage to a woman’s mental health

24 Mar, 2017 - 00:03 0 Views

The ManicaPost

Dr Mazvita Machinga
EVERY year on March 8, people around the world observed International Women’s Day. This is an important day to commemorate women’s rights and celebrate the political, social, economic and cultural achievements of women throughout history.

This means that March is also a good time to engage on thoughtful discussions on improving the welfare of women and girls.

There is a saying that goes: “Educate women and their community will prosper. Deny them education and the world will suffer. I agree when they say that an educated woman is better able to educate and nurture her children so that they reach to their full potential.

As a woman what are you doing to improve yourself? As communities and organisations what are we doing to also support the plight of women?  A couple of weeks ago, I shared an article on pregnancy and how communities can help stop unwanted pregnancies.

Dealing with an unplanned or unwanted pregnancy is one of the biggest challenges people can face. This is hard for teenagers, single people and those who are in unstable relationships. While we discourage unwanted and teenage pregnancies, such things happen in life and this article is on how some people put their lives at risk after this discovery of unwanted pregnancy. Some people engage in illegal abortion and it is bad.

Abortion is a taboo and not talked about, but sadly it is happening.  In Zimbabwe abortion is illegal. Under Zimbabwean law it is legal only to save life and under medical considerations. Those who undergo illegal abortion may face hospitalisation, or strict criminal sanctions and incarceration. Apart from the physical complications of illegal abortion, there are potential emotional and psychological side effects. There are risks of sterility, post-abortal infections and future physical complications. There are also risks of physical damage.

Research studies have indicated that within the first few weeks after an illegal abortion between 40 and 60 percent of women questioned report negative reaction.

Some complain of nervous disorders, while some experience sleep disturbances, and regret about their decision. Some even develop “serious psychiatric complications”.

This means that illegal abortion should never be tolerated. It affect one’s psychological, physical and spiritual well-being. Emotionally, individuals suffer from side effects such as: shock, being overwhelmed, confused, anger, guilt, regret, shame, and sense of loneliness or isolation, loss of self-confidence, problems in sleeping or nightmares. Some can even have relationship issues, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts and feelings.

The intensity or duration of these effects will vary from one person to another.

This is a clear indication to all men and women on the negative impact of illegal abortion. A message for both men and women is that,it is not prudent to have an unplanned and unwanted pregnancy. So when you see yourself with an unwanted pregnancy do not engage in illegal abortion. Instead,

Address your feelings and emotional pain — Sit down and allow your feelings to come, whatever they are. Pay attention to the emotions you’re feeling and how they’re physically affecting you,’

Understand your shock of this discovery — It’s normal to feel worried.

Get Help —communicate and discuss your situation with a trusted person or a trained professionals who can answer your questions and discuss your individual circumstances with you.

Get informed — Make an appointment with a medical facility for counsel, medical and prenatal care.

Do not withdraw or isolate yourself — I have met with women experiencing this problem and tend to withdraw from others to keep the matter a secret and/or to face the issue alone.

Stay connected to family— Even though this is not easy it is important to stay connected with family and friends who can support you. Too much isolation can lead to serious psychological, physical and spiritual problems e.g. depression. For families offer support and assist the affected to move on.

Focus on the positives. In the midst of an unplanned pregnancy, fear can threaten you and completely overwhelm you and your thoughts.

Decide to learn something from this and do things differently in your life.

Move on with life and stay positive and be responsible and save life.

Consider Counselling and spiritual guide – If you  are not sure  about other positive options- please seek help

For a teenager, a woman and her family to learn about a sudden pregnancy will always be emotional and probably, difficult to cope with. So please avoid unwanted teenage pregnancies as much as possible. Stay safe. Do not give in to pressure. Know what will result in pregnancy and Learn to say NO.

Dr Mazvita Machinga is a qualified psychotherapist and mental health consultant based in Mutare. For counseling and psychotherapy contact is 0771754 519 /0778838410 or Email [email protected]

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