Understanding Perspectives and Shaping Conversations

(By: Frieda Jona)

The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) on the 17th of September held a powerful and timely discussion where health experts, students, and legal advocates gathered to unfold with raw honesty and emotional depth.

The discussion, held under the theme “Understanding Perspectives and Shaping Conversations”, was a call to foster open, respectful dialogue around issues often shrouded in stigma.

The session led by the NUST Event Officer Mr.Twapewa Nakashona, aimed to unpack the legal, ethical and personal dimensions of abortion in Namibia and beyond.

Nakashona encouraged attendees to be cautious with their life choices, stating, “every decision you make echoes beyond the moment, it shapes your future, your health, and your dignity.”

The panelists who were present at the discussion included Legal Advocate, Mr. Nico Horn, who provided a legal overview of Namibia’s abortion laws. Horn referenced the 1975 Constitution and Section 3 of the Abortion and Sterilization Act.

Horn further contrasted Namibia’s restrictive framework with South Africa’s more liberal approach, where abortion is legally permitted within the first 12 weeks without legal scrutiny.

Meanwhile, Youth advocate and Student Leader and panelist at the discussion, Judith Kapofi, challenged the audience to rethink their role in shaping policy and culture, stating, “Youth are not just the future, they’re the present,” while urging for empowerment through facts and compassion.

The discussion further expanded to global contexts, citing Brazil, England, and South Africa as case studies in how law, access, and public health intersect. Between 1998 and 2025, South Africa recorded over 1.7 million legal abortions, with 57% of the population accessing safe procedures. The panel emphasized that while laws exist, they must evolve to reflect the realities of those most affected.

Public speaker and Bachelor of Science student at NUST, Ms. Estiana Heil provided medical insights into abortion procedures, including the use of medications like Mifepristone and Misoprostol, and surgical methods such as Dilation & Curettage (D&C) and Dilation & Evacuation (D&E). She explained the risks of incomplete abortions and the importance of skilled care, especially in cases like ectopic pregnancies.

In 2016 alone, over 200 babies were reportedly dumped in Namibia, often due to poverty, lack of support, or fear. Globally, 35 million unsafe abortions occur annually, with only 55% performed by skilled providers. The remaining 45% are either supervised or entirely unskilled, contributing to maternal deaths that could be prevented with better access to care.

Naftalie Amukwelele commonly known as D-Naff, an award-winning gospel artist who was present at the event reminded the attendees that, “ every choice no matter how dark its origin, can lead to light.” Adding, “life is a choice, and change is possible.” His message underscored the panel’s core takeaway: that abortion and other Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) issues are not just legal debates, but urgent matters of public health, human dignity, and personal truth.