In-depth: What is the situation with self-managed abortions in SA?

Posted in: Latest

While abortion in South Africa is legal and free in public healthcare facilities, it is thought that a large percentage of abortions are performed by illegal providers. This is attributed to a variety of factors, ranging from lack of capacity at clinics to fear of being found out and stigma. Self-managed abortions have the potential to change this. Amy Green reports on the state of abortion in South Africa and how self-managed abortions could help increase access to legal abortions.

In-depth: What is the situation with self-managed abortions in SA?

Abortion rights in three African countries after a major setback in the US

Posted in: Healthcare system, Latest, Opinions, Perspectives

The right to abortion has been catapulted into the spotlight by Dobbs v Jackson, the landmark judgment of the United States Supreme Court that overturned Roe v Wade – a 50-year-old precedent of that court that first recognised the constitutional right to abortion in the US.

Abortion rights in three African countries after a major setback in the US

Abortion access in Eastern Cape falls far short

Posted in: Eastern Cape, Healthcare system, Latest, Opinions, Provinces

Women and girls seeking abortions are often forced to seek informal, illegal, and unsafe abortions as a result of various systemic barriers. Khanyisa Mapipa, Sibusisiwe Ndlela, and Thokozile Mtsolongo look at the state of abortion services in the public sector in the Eastern Cape.

Abortion access in Eastern Cape falls far short

OPEN LETTER | It takes more than a march to remedy systemic challenges to abortion access

Posted in: Healthcare system, Latest, Opinions, Perspectives

On 17 February, Deputy Health Minister Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo led a march against unsafe abortions in Rustenburg, North West, but a march alone cannot eliminate barriers that prevent women and girls from accessing safe abortions in the public health system. Much more is needed, argue Sibusiwe Ndlela, Khanyisa Mapipa and Thokozile Mtsolongo in an open letter.

OPEN LETTER | It takes more than a march to remedy systemic challenges to abortion access

Big Acts, little access: The disconnect between SA’s abortion policies and women’s lived realities

Posted in: COVID-19, Healthcare system, Latest

Since the enactment of the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act (CTOP Act) in 1996, there has been a significant disconnect between the official policy on safe abortion and its implementation. The situation has worsened with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and access to abortion services is now severely limited, write Boitumelo Masipa and Thembi Mahlathi.

Big Acts, little access: The disconnect between SA’s abortion policies and women’s lived realities

A look at new abortion guidelines

Posted in: Healthcare system, Latest, Opinions, Perspectives

The new national clinical guidelines for the implementation of the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act serve as an opportunity to strengthen services in providing much-needed clarity and guidance to health workers. Marion Stevens and Nozizwe Conco unpack these guidelines on International Safe Abortion Day.