CHARLES PENSULO LAWMAKERS in Malawi have blocked debate of proposals to ease abortion restrictions in the southern African country, where unsafe terminations contribute to one of the region's highest rates of maternal mortality. Mathews Ngwale, head of the parliamentary health committee and the bill's main sponsor, vowed to present the draft law again in the weeks or months ahead after members of parliament (MPs) rejected a motion to discuss the controversial proposal. The abortion bill, which was first drawn up nearly five years ago, has met strong opposition from church groups in the mainly Christian country including Roman Catholic bishops,…