Thesis presented for the degree of doctor of philosophy. In subsaharan africa, more than 50% of teens give birth before age 20, and in certain countries in the region, this figure is as high as 70% rowbottom, 2007. Conscientious objection, or the right for medical professionals to refuse to perform abortion on religious or moral grounds, is used extensively. Pdf a facility assessment of termination of pregnancy top. Abortion is legal in south africa but illegal clinics. Bluetongue disease an overview sciencedirect topics. No place for abortion in african traditional life some reflections. South africa unsafe abortion the legality of abortion in south africa affords women reproductive autonomy and the right to access safe abortion procedures on demand. Out of all the provinces, mpumalanga appears to be the one that produces the largest quantities of soya beans about 42%. Pregnancies in south africa 32 4 psychological factors 35 0. Where should you go for a safe abortion in south africa. An argument for foetal protection within a framework of.
Relations congressional research service summary south africa is a multiracial, majority black southern african country of nearly 52 million. The reasons why it may be especially important, specifically for south african women, to easily access abortion facilities will be considered. For the rule of law a study by the international commission of jurists on apartheid in south mrica and south west africa june 1967 sw. The termination of pregnancy act was probably the most controversial and unpopular piece of legislation to be enacted in south africa since apartheid was introduced in 1948. Historically, levels of fertility in south africa were significantly high. The first scholarly study of the history of abortion in south africa, or indeed any african country. Sep 23, 20 many black south africans oppose abortion for religious reasons or view abortion as yet another vestige of apartheid policy, designed to control the growth of the black and colored population. This study aimed to determine the cpr and factors associated with contraceptive use in a rural district of western cape province. South africa emerging markets median 95 100 105 110 115 120 abebe aemro selassie plagued by high unemployment and closely tied to europe, south africa struggles south africans in line outside guguletu social services office in cape town, south africa. South africa has one of the most liberal abortion laws in the world on paper. In south africa a women may terminate her pregnancy for any reason until the 12th week. Private doctors and nonprofit organisations that are trained and qualified to do abortions are also legal and safe options.
In countries such as colombia, uruguay and south africa, this provided a conceptual framework for differing levels of abortion law reform in parliaments, courts and practice. We have wonderful laws but we dont have people to implement those laws. Some women think that, due to their religious or spiritual beliefs, abortion should not be legal. What you need to know about getting an abortion in sa. The proportion of all pregnancies in africa ending in abortion each year, estimated at 15% in 20102014, has changed little since 19901994.
United states supreme court gave the states greater latitude to restrict abortion. Johannesburg is a large community and the most crowded city in south africa, as well as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, alongside the capital city of the country, cape town. To get a safe abortion in south africa, you can go to a government hospital or public health clinic. Abortion is legal in south africa, but over half of abortions remain unsafe there. Women in africa assert their rights united nations. Womens bodies in particular, black womens bodies have a long history of being policed in south africa, eddie mhlanga, the mpumalanga health departments specialist obstetrician and gynaecologist points out. Claiming and defending abortion rights in south africa. And, with features like brilliant displays and thin bezels. The international coins in these abortion images are included as a size reference and are part of the original photos. Fact sheet abortion in africa guttmacher institute. Between 1220 weeks, women are only allowed to terminate their pregnancy if it was the result of rape, incest or if her health is at risk. Levels and determinants of voluntary abortion in south africa. No place for abortion in african traditional life some.
Termination of pregnancy abortion and foetal protection remain a. Section 4 deals with the special importance of freedom of access to abortion facilities in south africa. Charles ngwena, an appraisal of abortion laws in southern africa from a reproductive health. While the first roman catholic country, france, has legalised abortion in 1974, and while even in italy, under the direct. Nearly half of all abortions unsafe in developing countries. The first constitution for the union of south africa was adopted in 1910. Robert johnston last updated 23 january 2015 reported abortions by province, 199720. Goats and soda gilda sedgh, the author of a new study on global abortion, explains the difference between safe and unsafe abortions. It is arguably one of the most significant steps in respecting the rights of women to choice and to bodily integrity. Click specific abortion picture to enlarge for viewing or download. A high percentage of abortions performed in south africa are in the second trimester. Among the countries in subsaharan africa, which have some of the highest rates of teen pregnancy globally, south africas rate is lowest and comparable to those in many middleincome. The actthe choice on termination of pregnancy act, 1996represents a departure from the past where the woman was.
This gave rights to the white minority but took away the right to vote of the majority of south africans. Sep 30, 20 saturday, september 28, was the global day of action for access to safe and legal abortion. In eastern, middle and southern africa, rates are close to the regional average of 34 per 1,000. All about abortion in south africa, women and health, womens right to choose, sexual health and more in south africa on mywage south africa. Brief description of characteristics of respondents 42 c. The abortion and sterilization act asa of 1975 broadened the scope of legal abortion. Over 90 000 legal abortions were performed in south africa in 2015 the most recent year for which data is available. Apr 03, 2017 lowincome south africans are particularly vulnerable to this exploitation. In 1960 the white government held a referendum to decide whether south africa would become a republic. In this dissertation, i compared abortion attitudes in south africa and the u. Additionally, transportation to cities where abortion is performed can be too expensive for many patients. Abortion attitudes in south africa and the united states. Until 1997, however, access to termination of pregnancy services was extremely limited and largely confined to white women.
Before 1975 abortion was illegal in south africa unless the life of the mother was at risk. Advocating access for abortion access wits university. As a result of this 1996 liberalisation of abortion law, studies have shown that abortion related mortality decreased by 91% in south africa between 1994 and 19982001. This abortion may be performed by a registered nurse or midwife. While wealthy people might be able to access private, legal abortion services like at marie stopes south africa this is seldom an option for the poor. Interpreting and implementing existing abortion laws in africa. On 31 may 1961 south africa was declared a republic. Evidence suggests women who are black african, of lower. Proposed amendments to current abortion legislation.
Aug 17, 2017 if the african christian democratic party gets its way, women seeking an abortion in south africa would find it a lot more difficult in future. Factors associated with contraceptive use in a rural area in. Abortion and sterilization act 2 of 1975 rsa rsa gg 4608 came into force in south africa and south west africa on date of publication. Health project in analysing the south african experience in. As a general rule, an unborn nasciturus does not have legal status and a human right to. Pdf, on which annex 1 relies, in addition to updates from amnesty international research and reports. Abortion is legal in south africa but illegal clinics are. In the rsa, prior to april 1997, in terms of the abortion and sterilisation act no 92 0f 1975. Abortion is a safe procedure when performed by skilled health care providers in sanitary conditions. Exploring south african adolescents knowledge of abortion. These abortion pictures are available for download so long as you cite cbr as the image source and agree to the following terms. Abortions, reported includes legal reported induced abortions. Analysis south africa has been praised for progressive laws relating to womens reproductive health. A 2003 human sciences research council study examined moral attitudes among south africans.
The proportion of pregnancies ending in abortion ranges from 12% in western africa to 24% in southern africa. Impact of unsafe abortion in eastern and southern africa. Located south of the equator, on the southern tip of africa, south africa is in both the eastern and. Abortion legislation is passed south african history online. Focuses on the centrality of the regulation of womens reproductive bodies to the making and maintenance of apartheid in south africa. It is 1 948 528 ha in extent and has a north south. Abortion in south africa was legal only under very limited circumstances until 1 february 1997, when the choice on termination of pregnancy act came into force, providing abortion on demand for a variety of cases. Surgical and medical second trimester abortion in south. Impact of unsafe abortion in eastern and southern africa unsafe abortion is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality and morbidity. My stand is that there is no place for abortion even. The choice on termination of pregnancy act, 1996 act no. So if you thought you knew everything there was to know about abortion in south africa, think again. Since then mortality rates for women undergoing abortions has declined by 91%. Reportedly, many women who opt for illegal abortion services experience complications and seek care in the.
It allows abortion on demand up to the twelfth week of pregnancy, under broadly specified circumstances from the thirteenth to the twentieth week, and only for serious medical reasons after the twentieth week. There are a number of governmental efforts including the national department of educations attempt at improving knowledge. Some consequences of unwanted pregnancies 35 chapter 3 attitudes of natal medical practitioners towards the new abortion legislation 40 1. Bluetongue disease is caused by bluetongue virus btv in the genus orbivirus family reoviridae, subfamily sedoreovirinae, which infects ruminants, notably sheep and cattle. Africa ending in abortion each year, estimated at 15% in 20102014, has changed little since 19901994. However, it estimated that 50% of abortions in south africa occur outside of designated health facilities. Abortion, reproductive rights and the possibilities of. W while abortion may technically be legal in south africa, accessing one can be quite challenging according to leading safe choices, over 40% of designated abortion care sites in 2011 werent actually providing the service. Latitude and longitude of south africa, its capital city and selected cities, hemisphere position, absolute locations and relative locations by trending. Although the contraceptive prevalence rate cpr in south africa is comparable to rates globally, inequalities in cpr affect poor and rural women. It was first recognized in south africa in the early 1930s after the introduction of european breeds. South africa has one of the most progressive and liberal abortion laws in the world, yet women still face major barriers in accessing these services.
Locus of control, latitude of acceptance and attitudes. In south africa, a woman of any age can get an abortion by simply requesting with no reasons given if she is less than weeks pregnant. National capital provincial capital town, village major airport international boundary provincial boundary main road railroad. Despite abortion being legally available in south africa after a change in legislation in 1996, barriers to accessing safe abortion services continue to exist. Barriers to safe and legal abortion in south africa. In 2002, statistics south africa, the countrys official source of statistical information, agreed to ask south africans participating in the general household survey whether they were satisfied.
South africa, officially the republic of south africa rsa, is a country located in southern africa. Free stateperformed abortions have increased to 500,000 since 2004. South africa has live birthone of the most progressive abortion laws in the world with abortion on demand. South africa reformed the abortion law in order to improve the health of women and prevent deaths among women. Latitude laptops and 2in1s are devices you are proud to carry. Robert johnston last updated 14 january 2020 definition of table data see notes after table for additional information. Dec 01, 2003 south africa reformed the abortion law in order to improve the health of women and prevent deaths among women.
Abortion in legal, social, and healthcare contexts sage journals. Barriers to safe and legal abortion in south africa amnesty. Choice on termination of pregnancy act, 1996 wikipedia. Introducing medical abortion as another termination of pregnancy option could potentially save womens lives, while reducing the number of unsafe abortions in south africa. What ails south africa international monetary fund. Yet most women do not know where to access safe abortion services, how to obtain information about abortion facilities in south africa or that they are legally entitled to a free abortion in the. In south africa, egalitarian gender role attitudes correlated with higher abortion acceptability for fetal anomaly or. Production levels in south africa soya bean production in south africa currently ranges from 450 000 to 500 000 tons per annum at an average yield of 2, 5 to 3 tha under dryland conditions. Department of health for sharing the latitude and longitude.
In south africa, abortion was legalized in 1996, based on a strong human rights. Table 1 demand composition percentage of gdp source. Made with premium materials like recycled carbon fiber, you can rely on your latitude s durability while taking advantage of the smallest and lightest form factor on the planet. Lines of latitude are often referred to as parallels. Abortion provider appreciation working from an ethics of justice and an ethics of care, the srjc is a coalition of organisations and individuals engaged in advocacy, research, service delivery, education, policy analysis and activism work in the fields of gender, sexual and reproductive justice, health, rights and care.
Abortion in south africa was legal only under very limited circumstances until 1 february 1997, when the choice on termination of pregnancy act act 92 of 1996 came into force, providing abortion on demand for a variety of cases. Sep 28, 2017 in south africa a women may terminate her pregnancy for any reason until the 12th week. It is % and 14% in middle and eastern africa, respectively. Remember, you always have the right to choose what is best for you and your body. The proportion of pregnancies ending in abortion ranges from 12% in western africa to 23% and 24% in northern and southern africa, respectively. The act allows abortion to save the life of the mother, in cases of severe fetal deformity, in cases or rape or incest, or if the woman is mentally incompetent. However, little research focuses on womens experiences seeking second trimester abortion or the efficacy and safety of these services. On 1st february 1997 abortion on demand was legalised in south africa. A prospective study of complications associated with use of misoprostol and other abortion methods in south west nigeria int j gynecol obstet 2019. The culture of illegal abortion in south africa 81 abortion before apartheid prior to the 1970s, south africa had no statutory definition of abortion. Inspired by these developments, the 1996 south african constitution explicitly includes rights to reproductive health, freedom and autonomy. In the early 1970s, the first constitutional cases on abortion law in the united. Abortion has been legal in south africa for decades.
These include both the social context of abortion and womens individual perspectives. It held its first universal suffrage elections in 1994, after a transition from white minority rule under. Abortion, reproductive rights and the possibilities of reproductive justice in south african courts 89 dignity, nondiscrimination and equality, life and social rights, particularly the right to health. South africa latitude, longitude, absolute and relative. It is also clear that the issue of abortion is rooted in the unique context of south africa and is a growing issue in regards to reproductive health of women in south africa. To the north lie the neighbouring countries of namibia, botswana and zimbabwe. The act, a critical milestone for gender equality, secured all south african women including minors the right to make decisions about reproduction and according to their individual beliefs. Many black south africans oppose abortion for religious reasons or view abortion as yet another vestige of apartheid policy, designed to control the growth of the black and colored population. Africa latitude and longitude and relative locations. Authors estimates and predictions based on south africa reserve bank data.