Siwila, Lillian Cheelo.Rubete, Rubbie.2025-08-152025-08-1520242024https://hdl.handle.net/10413/23897Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.This study uses a feminist approach to analyse Marange people’s religio-cultural perceptions of abortion in Marange district of Manicaland province in Zimbabwe. The study was motivated by an increase in maternal mortality observed in Marange rural district. The study seeks to answer the key research question, which is: How can a feminist critical engagement with Marange people’s perceptions of abortion contribute to life-affirmation of young women in Marange? Young and old women in Marange district expressed their views, attitudes and perceptions of abortion as one of women’s sexual reproductive rights. This study excludes males and minors’ participation. The theoretical frameworks used in this study are Feminist Cultural Hermeneutics and Reproductive Justice. Feminist Cultural Hermeneutics looks at how women’s understanding of certain concepts is influenced by a given culture at a given time. Reproductive Justice advocates for freedom of choice by women in any given society. These clearly show that the social needs and individual bodily aspects of pregnant women cannot be separated. According to the interviewed Marange women, unwanted pregnancies are the major cause of backyard abortions, which are rampant in Marange. The study found that Marange women use a variety of abortifacients to terminate unwanted pregnancies. It is surprising to note that despite the designed strict abortion policies, men at times support, initiate and fund clandestine abortion acts, when they intend to cover up the shame and decline the responsibility begotten from unwanted pregnancies that occur outside of marriage.enAbortion.Pro-choice.Pro-life.Unsafe abortion.Reparation.Thesis