Muinjangue faces revolt over pro-abortion motion
The former social work lecturer believes legalising abortion is not only in the best interest of women, but the country as a whole, adding that it is being carried out already in communities despite it being illegal.
JEMIMA BEUKES
WINDHOEK
Deputy health minister Dr Esther Muinjangue is facing a revolt from within the National Unity Democratic Organisation (Nudo) over a pro-abortion motion she tabled in Parliament last year.
The Nudo lawmaker tabled a motion last June in the National Assembly, seeking the legalisation of abortion in the country.
Muinjangue, a former social work lecturer at the University of Namibia, believes legalising abortion is not only in the best interest of women, but the country as a whole, adding that it is being carried out already in communities despite it being illegal.
In a petition handed over to the leadership of the party last month by concerned party members, group spokesperson Benestus Uahupirapi said the motion was tabled without considering the “constituent tradition and religious approvals”.
The group also accused the party leadership of being naïve about the values of the party and its members, adding that since Namibians are dominantly Christian, the country must be governed on biblical principles.
No abortion, LGBTQI
“By that mere fact, Nudo was not the one to drive the agenda of such high controversy without taking into consideration the cultural norms and religion of its voting masses out there. The motion might be morally correct but it is politically wrong,” the petition read.
“Abortion and LGBTQI is not in our constituent’s religious and cultural norms and, therefore, we must not spearhead such motions. It does not mean that Nudo is condemning those affected by these rare and complex conditions. Nudo respects human rights but does not advocate for immoral behaviour,” it further read.
Muinjangue yesterday said Uahupirapi has the right to disagree with her, but he must read the motion and learn how Parliament works.
Govt’s responsibility
Aids and Rights Alliance for Southern Africa communications officer Paleni Amulungu said it is the role of political leaders to promote the rights to bodily autonomy and integrity for the realisation of sexual and reproductive health and rights for all.
She added that it is also the responsibility of government and leaders such as Muinjangue to promote and protect the rights of all people, as per the Bill of Rights, and provide the necessary services for all people, including all minorities and marginalised communities.
Amulungu said the full realisation of sexual and reproductive health and rights, including access to abortion services, is crucial for the welfare of individuals and the development of the country.
“Access to safe abortion, including post-abortion care, is a key component of women and girls’ sexual and reproductive health, and countries have binding human rights obligations to ensure that women can access safe abortions in accordance with their rights to health, equality and non-discrimination.
“Health policies, strategies and guidelines need to ensure non-discriminatory access to safe abortion and post-abortion care,” Amulungu said.
- [email protected]
WINDHOEK
Deputy health minister Dr Esther Muinjangue is facing a revolt from within the National Unity Democratic Organisation (Nudo) over a pro-abortion motion she tabled in Parliament last year.
The Nudo lawmaker tabled a motion last June in the National Assembly, seeking the legalisation of abortion in the country.
Muinjangue, a former social work lecturer at the University of Namibia, believes legalising abortion is not only in the best interest of women, but the country as a whole, adding that it is being carried out already in communities despite it being illegal.
In a petition handed over to the leadership of the party last month by concerned party members, group spokesperson Benestus Uahupirapi said the motion was tabled without considering the “constituent tradition and religious approvals”.
The group also accused the party leadership of being naïve about the values of the party and its members, adding that since Namibians are dominantly Christian, the country must be governed on biblical principles.
No abortion, LGBTQI
“By that mere fact, Nudo was not the one to drive the agenda of such high controversy without taking into consideration the cultural norms and religion of its voting masses out there. The motion might be morally correct but it is politically wrong,” the petition read.
“Abortion and LGBTQI is not in our constituent’s religious and cultural norms and, therefore, we must not spearhead such motions. It does not mean that Nudo is condemning those affected by these rare and complex conditions. Nudo respects human rights but does not advocate for immoral behaviour,” it further read.
Muinjangue yesterday said Uahupirapi has the right to disagree with her, but he must read the motion and learn how Parliament works.
Govt’s responsibility
Aids and Rights Alliance for Southern Africa communications officer Paleni Amulungu said it is the role of political leaders to promote the rights to bodily autonomy and integrity for the realisation of sexual and reproductive health and rights for all.
She added that it is also the responsibility of government and leaders such as Muinjangue to promote and protect the rights of all people, as per the Bill of Rights, and provide the necessary services for all people, including all minorities and marginalised communities.
Amulungu said the full realisation of sexual and reproductive health and rights, including access to abortion services, is crucial for the welfare of individuals and the development of the country.
“Access to safe abortion, including post-abortion care, is a key component of women and girls’ sexual and reproductive health, and countries have binding human rights obligations to ensure that women can access safe abortions in accordance with their rights to health, equality and non-discrimination.
“Health policies, strategies and guidelines need to ensure non-discriminatory access to safe abortion and post-abortion care,” Amulungu said.
- [email protected]
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article