By Obakeng Maje

Mahikeng-The mushrooming of backstreet abortion “clinics” maneuvered by bogus doctors has prompted the North West Department of Health together with National Prosecuting Authority, South African Police Service and other Government departments to march against illegal abortion and promote family planning. 

“The peaceful march which is scheduled to start at 08h00 on Monday, 20 May at Rustenburg town main taxi rank will be led by Health MEC, Dr. Magome Masike” department spokesperson Tebogo Lekgethwane said.

The march is an initiative of all stakeholders against advertising and provision of illegal abortion services around town and neighboring suburbs.  

“It is also aimed at raising awareness on the dangers of unsafe illegal abortion, family planning and to inform communities about safe pregnancy resolutions and other related services” Lekgethwane said.  

“The problem facing the Department is that most of the people who use these backstreet abortionists often flock back to the health care facilities with serious complications” MEC Magome Masike said. 

This is not only costly to the Department but also creates a burden on the health care system he said. 

The department said it is for that reason that women must stop using backstreet abortionists to save themselves and the limited resources.

Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act as amended by Act no 01 of 2008 promotes women’s reproductive health rights and extends freedom of choice by affording every woman the right to choose whether to have early, safe and legal termination of pregnancy according to her individual beliefs.

The Act also gives women of any age or marital status access to abortion services on request during the first twelve weeks of pregnancy and in certain cases extends the access to the first twenty weeks of pregnancy.

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