Malawi MPs Block Debate on Bill to Ease Strict Abortion Law

Malawi politicians have blocked a debate on the proposals to ease abortion restrictions, where unsafe terminations contribute to one of the region's highest rates of maternal mortality. The tabling of the Termination of Pregnancy Bill was also removed from the revised order paper, an outline of business to be tackled in parliament. The abortion bill which was drafted nearly five years ago, has been met with strong opposition from church groups in the largely  Christian country. Malawi currently allows abortion only when it is necessary to save a woman's life, but the reform would allow terminations in cases of rape, incest, or when the pregnancy endangers the mother's physical or mental health.