President Paul Kagame yesterday received representatives of Christian churches following their request to meet him over the ongoing debate regarding abortion in the penal code.
Parliament recently proposed exceptions to the law that criminalizes abortion.
Commenting on today’s discussion Bishop Smaragde Mbonyintege, President of the Rwanda Episcopal Conference (CEPR), who led the delegation, said he was pleased that President Kagame had responded positively to their request for dialogue on the important issue of abortion, which he attributed to the culture of good governance that characterises Rwanda today:
“We will partner with the government on initiatives to prevent unplanned pregnancies and offer our support and guidance to women who conceive as a result of sexual abuse. However, we recognize that ultimately, the choice of whether or not to proceed with the pregnancy belongs to the woman”.
Minister of Local Government, James Musoni who attended the meeting described the discussion with the religious leaders as constructive;
“Rwandan law continues to prohibit abortion, except under the circumstances stipulated in the Penal Code. But we agreed today that the rights of all people, including women facing traumatic situations must be respected”.
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