Young Ghanaians call for decriminalisation of abortion to give a choice to women
In the last few weeks, any observer of Ghana Twitter would have noticed that a debate has been going on about abortion, and as a result of this, YEN.com.gh has collected some of the points young Ghanaians are making.
As a result of certain states in the US passing extremely restrictive bills on women's right over pregnancies, Ghanaians on Twitter proceeded to have fierce debates among themselves on the issue of abortion.
On Twitter, a casual observer would have seen for and against arguments on abortion, as well as term limits on abortions.
In 2017, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) found out that the second highest cause of maternal mortality was the denial of safe abortions to women.
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So if there was one place that was primed for the abortion debate in Ghana, it was always Twitter.
@Jessicaa_oa asked primarily: "We keep making noise about some states in America banning abortion but do you know abortion is illegal in Ghana?"
Indeed, as much as abortion is illegal, it is one of the worst kept laws. Health providers such as Marie Stopes and Planned Parenthood Ghana offer termination services to thousands of women.
@Ghana_gyal also added: "Can't believe we are living in a world where the same people who want people off of welfare want to stop abortions".
The point here stems from anti-abortion US conservatives, who are known to argue against the government providing elaborate help to certain members of society because these members may go on to become dependent and lazy.
In Ghana, most people who identify as religious are against abortion but not necessarily against government help.
@7Giocondo also wrote: "Are you sure you want to live in a society that does not regulate something like abortion? I like to think we can have an open conversation about how many weeks it should remain legal, To dismiss the conversation with "it's my body is unwise".
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@TodaysYoungBoy2 chipped in: "New abortion bill passed and approved in Alabama, USA. If found guilty, you'll face a penalty of 99yrs in prison. How I wish this bill was in Ghana like ladies will go to prison like Tsetse fly."
In Ghana, the political representative most vocal presently about abortion rights is the Member of Parliament of Ledzokuku, Dr Oko Boye. He has moved in Ghana's Parliament and currently soliciting votes to have abortion decriminalised.
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Source: YEN.com.gh
