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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.

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

Posted in: Access to Medicines, Healthcare system, Latest, SRHR

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. The recognition of a right to abortion is often the first step towards creating an enabling environment for women to access abortions but in some countries in East and Southern Africa, argue the authors, Dobbs may put brakes on little sparks of hope that emerged in recent years.

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

Posted in: Access to Medicines, Healthcare system, Latest, Reproductive Health, SRHR

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.

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

Posted in: COVID-19, Latest, Reproductive Health, SRHR

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.

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Opinion: A look at new abortion guidelines

Posted in: Healthcare system, Latest, SRHR

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.

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