Self-determination begins with the individual

Currently, abortion is not legal in Ethiopia. But this is soon to change to allow for certain exceptional cases such as rape, incestuous and life threatening pregnancies. This is standard law in many countries - except in the strictly Catholic societies which still categorically ban abortion for any reason.
We cautiously welcome moves to relax regulations regarding abortion but still ask - how fair is this, especially in the developing world where often, being pregnant automatically means becoming poorer? When we tell a woman that as long as her life is not in mortal danger, her pregnancy was not compelled and is not by a close relative - she should, by law, bring a new person into a world that has neglected to feed and sustain the-mother-to-be herself - is this not unjust - especially in the developing world?
In fact, this position - blindingly legalistic as it is, smacks of double standards and even unconstitutionality, depending on interpretation. 'Self' is defined as the private individual and 'determination' is the will power of decision making. Put them together and we have self -determination - one of the pillars of the FDRE Constitution. Admittedly 'self-determination', as used in our constitution, refers to nations, nationalities and peoples. However, by default, it also must refer to the rights of the individual, in this case a woman’s, to decide over her own body.
The preamble of the FDRE Constitution begins with the following:
We, the Nations, Nationalities and Peoples of Ethiopia strongly committed, in full and free exercise of our right to self determination, to building a political community founded on the rule of law and capable of ensuring a lasting peace, guaranteeing a democratic order, and advancing our economic and social development;
Firmly convinced that the fulfillment of this objective requires full respect of individual and people's fundamental freedoms and rights to live together on the basis of gender equality and without any religious or cultural discrimination;
Clearly stated and unambiguous, the above words leave no doubt that Ethiopians have constitutionally assured rights to self determination in the collective and private senses. In fact, the constitution does imply that collective self-determination is not prioritized over the rights of the individual to the same.
The final say on whether or not a foetus is to be aborted rests with the ultimate stakeholder - the woman carrying the child. This is a biological truism and as such is no great revelation. Be that as it may, this most fundamental of human rights- the option of to have or not to have a baby is not respected in most parts of the world, including in Ethiopia where official and public positions on the question of abortion still do not do justice to the right of all citizens to decide their destiny in this life.
Abortion is a hugely sensitive issue and it is bound to get even more contentious as the nation's social and economic progress continues. The issue will involve various uncompromising 'stakeholders' such as faith groups, some of which are today showing their displeasure at any relaxing of the categorical ban on abortion, citing doctrine as a basis of opposition. The city wide demonstration by numerous faith based organizations is a product of growing public participation. Public debate is essential for even the most mundane decisions, let alone on such weighty an issue as abortion.
With that said, the society must not take an overly emotional stance as this will lead to extremes of viewpoints that will create more gaps than they fill. Democratic and sustained dialog, especially with and among women's organizations, will help to clarify the issue so that the real stakeholders can have the final say.
Abortion is the most personal of issues and delicate compassion is required. Let us not judge a woman for not wanting yet another baby that will go hungry. It's not that the poor woman is an ogre-far from it - it's because among other factors such as social alienation and stigma, she can't bear the pain of watching her children suffer.