Documentary on Young Women’s Lived Realities With Abortion

As part of the Access to Safe Abortion Project, the Health Law and Policy Consortium (HLPC) in partnership with the Institute for Young Women’s Development (IYWD) produced a documentary titled “The Story Behind Her Termination.”. Filmed at the commencement of the project, the documentary captures the lived realities of young women and women in Zimbabwe whose lives have been deeply affected by the lack of access to safe abortion services.

The documentary has served as a powerful advocacy tool to engage Members of Parliament (MPs) and other policymakers, highlighting the urgent need for reforms to the Termination of Pregnancy Act (TOPA). By showcasing the barriers women face and the health risks associated with unsafe abortion, the film has been central in lobbying for the expansion of grounds under which women can access safe abortion care.

Through this advocacy initiative, HLPC and IYWD continue to work to influence policy reforms that will safeguard women’s reproductive rights, improve access to comprehensive abortion care services, and reduce maternal mortality and morbidity linked to unsafe abortion practices in Zimbabwe.