Harare – One of the most persistent myths discouraging rape survivors from pursuing safe
termination of pregnancy (TOP) services is the belief that termination inevitably leads to
infertility. For many survivors, particularly adolescents and young women, the fear of never
being able to have children in the future creates an agonising dilemma at a time when they
are already struggling with the physical, emotional, and psychological consequences of
sexual violence.
The fear is understandable. In many societies, motherhood is closely linked to identity, social
acceptance, family expectations, and future aspirations. Consequently, any suggestion that a
medical intervention could jeopardise future fertility carries enormous emotional weight.
Unfortunately, misinformation surrounding termination of pregnancy continues to circulate
widely, often preventing survivors from making informed decisions about their health and
wellbeing.
Medical evidence, however, tells a very different story. When termination of pregnancy is performed safely by trained healthcare professionals using approved medical methods and according to established clinical guidelines, it does not generally affect a woman’s future fertility.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) notes that menstrual cycles typically return within four to six weeks following a termination and that pregnancy can occur even before a woman’s first menstrual period returns. This demonstrates that fertility commonly resumes quickly after a safe and uncomplicated procedure. Zimbabwe’s own clinical guidance reinforces this position.
The Ministry of Health and Child Care’s Comprehensive Abortion Care Guidelines promote evidence-based, quality abortion care and post-abortion care as essential reproductive health services. Developed in line with World Health Organization recommendations, the guidelines emphasise timely access to care, counselling, infection prevention, safe clinical procedures, and appropriate follow-up, all of
which are intended to protect the health, wellbeing, and future fertility of women and girls accessing services.
The real threat to future fertility is not safe termination—it is unsafe termination. Unsafe abortion remains a significant public health concern globally and in Zimbabwe. Women and girls who are unable to access accurate information, timely services, or qualified healthcare providers may resort to unsafe methods that place their lives and reproductive health at serious risk. According to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), unsafe abortion can result in severe bleeding, infection, injury to reproductive organs, infertility, and death. In 2023 alone, MSF provided more than 54,600 safe abortions across 37 countries and treated over 31,000 women and girls for abortion-related complications, many of which were likely
associated with unsafe procedures.
Research conducted in Zimbabwe has similarly demonstrated that complications threatening
fertility are overwhelmingly associated with unsafe abortion rather than medically supervised
procedures. Studies have identified unsafe abortion as a major contributor to severe maternal
morbidity and preventable mortality, placing significant strain on both women and the
healthcare system. These complications often include sepsis, haemorrhage, uterine
perforation, reproductive tract injuries, and long-term reproductive health consequences.
For rape survivors, particularly children and adolescents, misinformation about fertility can
have devastating consequences.
Fear that termination of pregnancy may lead to infertility often discourages survivors from seeking lawful and medically supervised care, leaving them vulnerable to unsafe methods or forcing them to continue pregnancies resulting from sexual violence. Such decisions can have profound physical, psychological, educational, and socio-economic consequences that affect a survivor’s future wellbeing and opportunities.
Adolescent girls remain disproportionately affected by sexual violence. Many are still in
school, dependent on caregivers, and emotionally unprepared for the demands of pregnancy
and motherhood. In communities where discussions about sexual and reproductive health are
often constrained by stigma, cultural taboos, and misinformation, myths surrounding
termination of pregnancy and future fertility can prevent survivors from accessing timely
care. It is therefore critical to understand that safe termination of pregnancy, when performed
by trained healthcare professionals, is designed to protect health and does not generally
compromise future fertility, while unsafe procedures pose significant risks to both
reproductive health and life.
Zimbabwe has established legal and medical pathways for survivors who qualify for
termination of pregnancy following rape. As the country strengthens implementation of its
Comprehensive Abortion Care Guidelines, public education remains essential to counter
misinformation and ensure that women and girls can make informed decisions based on
medical evidence rather than fear. Protecting future fertility is achieved through timely access
to quality reproductive healthcare services delivered within a supportive, rights-based health
system.
Every survivor deserves access to accurate information, quality healthcare, and the
opportunity to make informed decisions about their future. Ensuring that women and girls
understand the facts about safe termination of pregnancy and fertility is an important step
towards protecting their health, preserving their choices, and supporting their long-term
wellbeing. Ends//
References
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). (2024). Induced Abortion
and Future Fertility. Washington, DC: ACOG.
Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières). (2024). Safe Abortion Care and
Treatment of Abortion-Related Complications: Global Programme Statistics 2023. Geneva:
MSF.
Ministry of Health and Child Care, Zimbabwe. (2025). Comprehensive Abortion Care
Guidelines for Zimbabwe. Harare: Government of Zimbabwe.
World Health Organization. (2022). Abortion Care Guideline. Geneva: World Health
Organization.
Madziyire, M.G., Polis, C.B., Riley, T., et al. (2020). “Severity and management of abortion
complications among women in Zimbabwe: A national study.” BMC Health Services
Research, 20(1), 268.
Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT) & Ministry of Health and Child Care.
(Various Reports). Maternal Health and Reproductive Health Indicators in Zimbabwe.
Harare: Government of Zimbabwe.
