Public hearing on abortion kicks off

Swapo Member of Parliament Lucia Witbooi has admitted that abortions take place widely in Namibia and this can no longer be swept under the carpet. She was speaking at a public hearing on legalization and non-legalization of abortion in Namibia, taking place in Windhoek.
Former deputy health minister Juliet Kavetuna, speaking at the hearing, believes that abortion will put more strain on the health care system because medical doctors would be required to be present.
"The conversation about abortion should be guided by the Namibian Constitution which states that life starts at birth," gender rights activist Ndiilo Nthengwe remarked.
Former ombudswoman Advocate Bience Gawanas asked why the anti-abortion voices are quiet when a person aborts in the event of rape or incest. “I am allowed because I was raped. I was allowed an abortion because there was incest. No one asks when life starts and where life ends [in these circumstances]. No one asks that question."