Knowledge and attitudes towards abortion from health care providers and abortion experts in Zimbabwe: a cross sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: abortion in Zimbabwe is allowed to preserve the physical health of the woman, or in cases of rape, incest, or fetal impairment. Access
even under these conditions is difficult and rare. We aimed to understand knowledge of the abortion law and attitudes towards abortion amongst
health care providers’ and abortion experts in Zimbabwe as these can hinder access to safe legal abortion. Methods: in 2016, we conducted a
Health Facility Survey (HFS) (n=227) among health care providers’ knowledgeable about abortion services in their facility in a census of facilities
offering Post Abortion Care (PAC), and a Health Professionals Survey (HPS) among 118 abortion experts. Results: twenty-five percent of providers
and 47% of experts knew all four reasons under which abortion is legal in Zimbabwe. Amongst providers and experts, 31% and 50% respectively
were misinformed about one or more legal criteria. Most providers and experts were in support of expanding the legal provision of abortion to cases
when the woman’s mental health is at risk (65% and 79%, respectively) and if the woman is mentally incapacitated (66% amongst all).
Seventy-one percent of experts recommend liberalizing the abortion law in order to reduce unsafe abortions. Conclusion: there is incomplete and
sometimes inaccurate knowledge on the legal provisions for performing abortions in Zimbabwe amongst both health care providers and abortion
experts. Incomplete knowledge of the law may be further reducing abortion access, highlighting the urgent need for educating health care providers
on the legal status of abortion.