“Pray and speak against this evil”: Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops oppose abortion bill ahead of Senate vote
Peter Moyo
Zimbabwe’s Catholic bishops have issued a pastoral statement opposing proposed abortion law reforms, intensifying debate over legislation that awaits a Senate vote in the coming days.
In a statement dated December 13, 2025, and read at Catholic Masses across the country on December 14, the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ZCBC) called on Zimbabweans to pray and appeal to senators to vote against the Medical Services Amendment Bill.
“As the Church, we are totally against abortion, and we would like to appeal to all people of faith and all those who value life to pray and speak against this evil,” the bishops wrote. “Abortion is an evil that sanctions the massacre of the innocent.”
The bill passed the National Assembly on October 23 and now awaits final approval in the Senate before it can proceed to President Emmerson Mnangagwa for assent.
The bishops noted the irony of Zimbabwe’s recent legislative history, stating: “The whole world celebrated with us last year as the country abolished the death penalty and today it watches as we take a back step and sanction the massacre of the innocent.”
The statement references Deuteronomy 30:19, quoting: “I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live.” The bishops reaffirmed that “the Church upholds the sanctity of life from conception to a natural death.”
The bill’s key provisions include allowing abortions on request up to 12 weeks of pregnancy, permitting terminations up to 20 weeks on health or socio-economic grounds, and enabling minors to access abortion services without parental consent or notification.
“This Bill threatens Zimbabwe’s long-held cultural reverence for life,” the bishops argued, warning that “history will judge us harshly for failing to defend the lives of the weaker members of our society.”
The pastoral letter also contained pointed language for legislators. “We urge Senators to examine their consciences and resist pressures of money, political correctness, or the desire for relevance,” the bishops wrote. “Do not worship at the altar of human sacrifice.”
The statement concluded with three specific calls to action: “Pray fervently. Speak out boldly. Contact your Senators directly to express opposition. Civic engagement is a moral duty grounded in faith and our national culture.”
The Catholic bishops join other Christian organizations in opposing the legislation. The Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHOCD) issued statements in October and November 2025 describing the bill as creating a “constitutional and moral crisis.”
These groups argue the legislation contradicts public consultation outcomes that they say supported maintaining constitutional protections for the unborn.
Supporters of the Medical Services Amendment Bill present a different perspective. They argue the reforms would modernize existing laws to address unsafe abortion practices that result in maternal deaths and injuries. Proponents say the bill would protect women’s reproductive rights, particularly for rape survivors and those with mental health concerns. They note the legislation responds to a recent High Court ruling and could reduce maternal mortality by providing regulated medical access to abortion services.
The bishops, however, maintain that support for mothers and alternatives such as adoption represent better approaches than expanding abortion access.
The impending Senate vote has generated significant public discussion across religious institutions, social media platforms, and news media. Catholic publications have described the moment as critical for Zimbabwe’s legal framework on abortion.
The Senate vote will determine whether the bill advances to the president for final approval, marking a significant moment in Zimbabwe’s ongoing debate over abortion policy, reproductive healthcare, and the intersection of religious values with legislation.
