Abstract
ABSTRACTBackgroundThe Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act of 1996 (Act 92 of 1996) allows abortions to be legally carried out in South Africa. It is not clear how many people are utilising this service. Mthatha is a poverty-stricken area with a high rate of illiteracy. The available infrastructure, such as roads, health facilities and communication, is poor.MethodThis was a retrospective, descriptive study carried out at the Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital in Mthatha. The registered criminal abortion cases recorded between 1993 and 2006 were analysed.ResultsThere were 51 cases of criminal abortions recorded from 1993 to 2006. Of these, 32 were aborted in the first trimester of pregnancy and the rest were in the second trimester. No significant gender differences were observed among aborted babies. 10 of the foetuses were male and nine were female. The highest number (nine) of abortions was recorded in 1993 and in 2005. The highest number of criminal abortions (11) took place in May. Most cases (35) were concealed births and were discovered accidentally either by the public or the police.ConclusionThe Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act of 1996 (Act 92 of 1996) had no impact on criminal abortions in the Mthatha area of South Africa.
Highlights
No significant gender differences were observed among aborted babies. 10 of the foetuses were male and nine were female
A total of 26 million legal and 20 million illegal abortions were performed throughout the world in 1995.1 Between 1996 and 1999, public sector clinics in South Africa performed 69 894 abortions.[2]
Incomplete abortions and, in particular, unsafe abortions are important causes of mortality and morbidity in South Africa.[4]. In view of this high number of deaths related to pregnancy, the South African Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act (Act 92 of 1996 – referred to as the Act) was promulgated in 1996, and this has given women the right to terminate a pregnancy on request
Summary
A total of 26 million legal and 20 million illegal abortions were performed throughout the world in 1995.1 Between 1996 and 1999, public sector clinics in South Africa performed 69 894 abortions.[2] Worldwide, more than 500 000 women and girls die of complications related to pregnancy and childbirth every year. The Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act of 1996 (Act 92 of 1996) allows abortions to be legally carried out in South Africa. It is not clear how many people are utilising this service. Mthatha is a poverty-stricken area with a high rate of illiteracy. The available infrastructure, such as roads, health facilities and communication, is poor
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