In an effort to reduce the use of illegal backs street of abortion, Gauteng MEC for Health and Social Development, Qedani Mahlangu, has approved another three legal centres for termination of pregnancy. The approval of the three private centres which are situated in Diepsloot, Ivory Park and Orange Farm will bring to 18 the number of private centres in the province. These will compliment the 32 public health facilities where choice of termination of pregnancy is freely available.
This also comes in the wake of recent cases where two people were arrested in Johannesburg for assisting women who are more than 12 weeks pregnant to illegally abort their unborn babies. MEC Mahlangu says the additional centres will help to reduce incidents of illegal abortions performed by unqualified people and which usually lead to deaths of many women.
“These additional centres will help government in its plans to reduce maternal mortality from preventable causes. It is important that women wishing to terminate their pregnancies should use government registered health facilities where this service is offered by qualified people,” she said.
She added that taking the legal route is essential in maintaining women reproductive health and prevents complications such as severe bleeding, tearing of the cervix, severe damage to the genitals and abdomen or even death.
MEC Mahlangu emphasised that termination of pregnancy should not be used as a family planning method, but as a last resort when all else has failed. She urged women to know their reproductive health rights which include the following: Contraceptive services which are freely available in all public health institution, the ABC strategy which is: Abstain, be faithfull and condomise. Women should also consider adoption or foster care if they are not ready to have the baby.
The Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1996 allows expectant mothers to terminate the pregnancy upon request if she is within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. This procedure can also be performed from the 13th to 20th week of pregnancy if approved by a medical practitioner.
Enquiries:
Mandla Sidu
Cell: 082 773 9013
Issued by: Department of Health and Social Development, Gauteng Provincial government
2 March 2010
