Abortion in South Africa

In spite of this dread on the part of the menfolk abortion is by no means uncommon, often being brought about, with the help of a medicine-man, by women who have committed adultery and become pregnant by some man other than their husbands.

[6]In his book, History of the Basuto about the Basotho, David Frédéric Ellenberger wrote:Monaheng, had twin sons by his first wife before he left Tebang, which was a name given to the country north of the Vaal where his ancestor Motebang lived for some generations.

But the infants were such fine healthy children and so alike that the parents refused to comply with ancient custom, and they were both allowed to live; but in order to pacify or to escape the notice of the evil spirits who might thereby have been offended, they were given names of contempt.

Before legalisation in 1975, abortion was prohibited throughout the country, however some white women, could request private doctors to perform a dilation and curettage, on the grounds that the continuation of pregnancy threatened the woman's mental wellbeing.

[8] This was generally not an option for women of colour, due to the Apartheid regime, meaning the choice by doctors to carry out this procedure was both a personal and professional risk.

[10] Black women and those of mixed heritage often had to rely on "backstreet" abortions or their own efforts to terminate pregnancies, often resulting in severe injuries and fatalities.

Exceptions to this, are if the woman is severely mentally ill or in a state of continuous unconsciousness, where consent of a spouse, parent or legal guardian is required.

Whilst all women in South Africa are entitled to abortions, in reality geographical factors often act as implications in accessing them.

Historically, white women had better access to abortion services, either by means of private doctors as previously mentioned, or due to their finances which allowed them to travel to England and the Netherlands to undergo such procedures.

[15] Many women choose to undergo informal or "backstreet" abortions due to fears of facing social stigma by health workers.

This displays the attitudes of many people in South Africa, who describe women seeking abortions as sinful, unfit for marriage and even witches.

[18] Within South Africa, a substantial 80% of the population rely on traditional medicine, with this figure rising to 90% in rural areas[16] for both cultural and economic reasons.