By Patience Gondo
A 23-year-old student from Danhiko Secondary and Industrial College in Msasa, Harare, was remanded in hospital after appearing in court on Wednesday on allegations of abortion.
The accused, identified as Erica Mbilaya, appeared before Harare provincial magistrate Ruth Moyo and was remanded in custody under medical supervision until November 19.
Lawrence Gangarahwe represented the State.
According to court documents, the alleged offence occurred on Monday, when Mbilaya’s roommate, Vimbai Gudo, discovered her in severe pain inside their shared room at the college.
The court heard that Mbilaya had allegedly consumed a homemade solution made from a brownish substance kept in an empty peanut butter jar.
Moments later, Mbilaya is said to have discharged a foetus onto the floor. The foetus reportedly showed no signs of life. It is further alleged that Mbilaya placed the foetus in a plastic bag before leaving the room carrying her satchel.
The matter was reported to the police, leading to Mbilaya’s arrest and subsequent appearance in court.
She remains hospitalised under guard pending further medical evaluation.
Unlawful termination of pregnancy is an offence under Section 60 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, and Zimbabwe’s Termination of Pregnancy Act [Chapter 15:10] restricts abortion to specific circumstances such as rape, incest, or when the mother’s life is in danger.
In recent years, Zimbabwean courts have handled several cases involving women accused of unlawful abortion.
In 2022, a woman from Chitungwiza was sentenced to 15 months in prison after using unsafe methods to terminate her pregnancy, while another from Mutare received an 18-month sentence in 2021 for concealing the birth of her newborn.
Health authorities have repeatedly warned against unsafe abortion methods, citing risks of severe infections and maternal deaths.
Despite these dangers, several women particularly students and young women continue to face prosecution for similar offences, highlighting ongoing social and legal challenges surrounding unwanted pregnancies.