Gauteng Health and Social Development MEC, Qedani Mahlangu, welcomes the arrest of two men who have been assisting women who are more than 12 weeks pregnant, terminate their pregnancies using illegal methods. The men were arrested last week Friday following an investigation by journalists of a regional radio station working with the police.
According to the report, the two men, one claiming to be a medical student, the other a doctor at a state hospital, claimed to operate a network of government employed gynaecologists and nurses at state hospitals but later denied this. One of the men, known only as Gift, admitted to carrying out abortions by supplying women with ulcer medication that induced labour.
Warning women against the use of illegal methods of terminating pregnancies, MEC Mahlangu said: “I urge women wishing to terminate their pregnancies to make use of government health facilities where this service is offered free of charge. Illegal termination of pregnancy poses danger to expectant mothers”.
She added that taking the legal route is essential in maintaining both your reproductive health and preventing complications such as severe bleeding, tearing of the cervix, severe damage to the genitals and abdomen or even death.
At government health facilities, the procedure is done by qualified health practitioners using drugs and equipment kept under correct environment and temperatures for its effectiveness. The health setting also allows health workers to deal immediately with any complications that may arise.
The MEC also emphasised that in South Africa, the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1996 allows an expectant mothers to terminate the pregnancy upon her request if she is within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. This procedure can also be performed from the 13 to 20 weeks of pregnancy if approved by a medical practitioner.
The MEC applauded the police for the arrest and also urged the community to report such bogus health workers as their actions are endangering the lives of many people.
For inquiries contact:
Mandla Sidu
Cell: 082 773 9013
Simon Zwane
Cell: 082 551 9892
Issued by: Department of Health and Social Development, Gauteng Provincial Government
24 February 2010
