Harare — The high rate of abortion in Zimbabwe has forced women's groups and health experts to call for the reviewing of the whole issue.

Over 80 000 illegal abortions are carried out annually in the country, accounting for about 500 deaths, the majority being teenagers of school-going age.

In Zimbabwe, it is a criminal offence to practise abortion and offenders face a fine of between $1000 to $2000.

The issue of abortion is a controversial one in Zimbabwe. Many women are increasingly calling for freedom to choose what to do with unwanted pregnancies.

Godfrey Tinarwo, the executive director of the natural family planning council, says his organisation does not support the idea of legalising abortion and is making every effort to ensure that people have access to effective and affordable family planning methods to reduce the number of abortion.

The president of the Zimbabwe National Traditional Healers Association (Zinatha), Professor Gordon Chavunduka, warned that if abortion was legalised, there would have to be measures put in place to guard against abuse.

The ministry of education and culture says if abortion is legalised there is likely to be a higher number of unwanted pregnancies and an increase in school drop-outs, resulting in social problems between children and their parents. The ministry of health and child welfare is setting up programmes that will see abortion victims receive post-abortion care at all health centres. Alexio Mashu, the university of Zimbabwe's 4post-abortion care programme co-ordinator said post abortion care was vital.