Warning against illegal termination of pregnancies
Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko states that the service expansion is crucial in providing accessible and safe reproductive health services to women in the province.
The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has warned members of the community against facilities operating in various areas in the province offering unlawful termination of pregnancy services, stating that unsafe termination remains one of the leading causes of maternal mortality.
To fight the scourge of backdoor and illegal abortion clinics, the department says it has increased the number of public health facilities that provide safe termination of pregnancy from 36 in 2022 to 47 in 2024.
“These facilities include eight hospitals providing second-trimester terminations, ensuring that more women receive the care and service they need.”
Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko states that the service expansion is crucial in providing accessible and safe reproductive health services to women in the province.
“Government has free and safe health facilities that provide termination of pregnancy. We want to urge the public to refrain from going to backdoor abortion clinics as they will cause harm to one’s life. Our institutions also provide counselling services.”
Furthermore, GDoH has trained 30 professional nurses to help with the choices regarding termination of pregnancy to expand sexual and reproductive health rights services.
“These initiatives reflect the department’s dedication to enhance service delivery and expand access to vital healthcare.”
To increase access to long-acting reversible contraceptives, GDoH has partnered with Bayer and Organon, to provide more options and support for family planning.
