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50 signatures reached
To: The Minister of Health- Dr Pakishe Aaron Motsoaledi
We demand that the Department of Health make safe, free and legal abortions easily accessible!
This demand is directed to the Minister of Health, Dr Pakishe Aaron Motsoaledi and the Department of health . It wants the department to ensure the following changes pertaining to the provision of abortions by the public health sector:
- Publish information pertaining to abortion on the Department of Health’s website.
- That the department set up a framework to increase abortion facilities in the country so that they are widely and easily accessible.
- Publish information pertaining to abortion on the Department of Health’s website.
- That the department set up a framework to increase abortion facilities in the country so that they are widely and easily accessible.
Why is this important?
In a country faced with myriad socio-economic and structural inequalities, the right to safe, free and legal abortions is more pressing than ever. Providing access to abortion is an integral part of affording women reproductive rights and allowing them to self-determine in the face of institutionalised patriarchy.
Even though abortion is legal In South Africa, as a consequence of the 'Choice on Termination of Pregnancy, 1996' this right has not been realised on the ground. According to a recent survey conducted by the 'Bheksisa Mail and Guardian Centre for Health Journalism' only 7% of the public health centres that are supposed to offer safe, free and legal abortions do so. This means that predominantly black low income women who do not have access to private health care are forced to turn to illegal abortions that are facilitated by unqualified personnel. As a result many women have reported abuse, violation and faced severe medical complications due what is colloquially known as 'backstreet abortion'. Access to abortion is extremely limited, largely due to public sentiment around abortion and an unwillingness by Government to take a firm stance on the matter and give women the right to reproductive health care they deserve.
A browse through the Department of Healths's website reveals that they have information around contraception and maternity but have conveniently left out any information on abortion, what to do in the event that you want to abort or where to access a safe, free and
legal abortion.
Women deserve access to safe, free and legal abortion. If the Department does not commit to providing this service women will continue to be consigned to illegal abortions. They will continue to face the financial, emotional and psychological costs as well as the physical dangers associated with such abortions.
Even though abortion is legal In South Africa, as a consequence of the 'Choice on Termination of Pregnancy, 1996' this right has not been realised on the ground. According to a recent survey conducted by the 'Bheksisa Mail and Guardian Centre for Health Journalism' only 7% of the public health centres that are supposed to offer safe, free and legal abortions do so. This means that predominantly black low income women who do not have access to private health care are forced to turn to illegal abortions that are facilitated by unqualified personnel. As a result many women have reported abuse, violation and faced severe medical complications due what is colloquially known as 'backstreet abortion'. Access to abortion is extremely limited, largely due to public sentiment around abortion and an unwillingness by Government to take a firm stance on the matter and give women the right to reproductive health care they deserve.
A browse through the Department of Healths's website reveals that they have information around contraception and maternity but have conveniently left out any information on abortion, what to do in the event that you want to abort or where to access a safe, free and
legal abortion.
Women deserve access to safe, free and legal abortion. If the Department does not commit to providing this service women will continue to be consigned to illegal abortions. They will continue to face the financial, emotional and psychological costs as well as the physical dangers associated with such abortions.
How it will be delivered
I plan to hand deliver the petition to the National Department of Health at their offices in Pretoria.