Auntie Stella

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Auntie Stella was produced by Training and Research Support Centre (Zimbabwe)
Box CY2720, Causeway, Harare, Zimbabwe
Phone: 263-4-795124
Email: admin@tarsc.org
Website: www.tarsc.org

32. I don’t want this baby

Theme: Unwanted pregnancy

Dear Priscilla

I am sorry this has happened. But you’re not alone so please don’t harm yourself or the baby. Talk to someone you trust in your family or in your community. This person can help you tell your parents. Your parents will probably be shocked or angry at first, but parents usually help you later.

These are your options:


  • Keep your baby with support from your family and, hopefully, your boyfriend. You can continue your studies when the baby is older. Or someone in your family may be happy to look after the baby while you continue with your schooling.

  • Give the baby up for adoption. This way, someone who really wants a baby will have the joy of bringing up your child. Organisations can arrange this for you.

    • Please, Priscilla, don’t have an illegal abortion. They are VERY DANGEROUS and can cause infertility or death. Don’t put anything into your vagina, or let anybody else do this. And don’t think about dumping your baby; it is illegal and will only make you feel guilty and sad.

    Think carefully before you act. I hope you get the support you need. Good luck.

    Auntie Stella

    Action Points


    • In Zimbabwe, abortion is only legal in cases of rape and if the mother or baby is in danger. The process of obtaining a legal abortion is long and difficult. In some countries, like South Africa, women can have a legal abortion if they are less than 12 weeks pregnant.

    What do you think about this?

    Organise a debate on this topic.

    ROLEPLAY: Three people in the group do a roleplay where the person helping Priscilla tells her parents about the pregnancy. Anyone watching can stop the actors at any time, take the place of any actor and do something different.  Afterwards, discuss what was most realistic and helpful to Priscilla.



    • What organisations or support groups do you know – in your area or elsewhere – that give help and advice to girls like Priscilla with unwanted pregnancies? Find out about them.

    • Are any of these organisations advocating for abortion to be legalised in your country? Ask them to come and talk to you about their work.