Machinga District Health Office (DHO) has recorded 735 abortion cases between January and June 2025, a decline from the 1,122 cases reported in 2024.

Post Abortion Care Services Coordinator at Machinga DHO, Jacqueline Kaminyu disclosed this during a media training on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) and the proposed Termination of Pregnancy Bill in Liwonde.

Kaminyu attributed the high number of cases to factors such as restrictive legal frameworks, unintended teenage pregnancies, and sexual violence.

She also emphasized the need for increased access to contraceptives, noting that the DHO is collaborating with youth clubs and other community structures to promote contraceptive use and reduce unsafe abortions.