Work in Progress: The Expansion of Access to Abortion Services in South Africa Following Legalization

Abstract

In South Africa liberalization of abortion became possible only after the 1994 elections that ended apartheid. The law in effect at that time allowed abortion only when a pregnancy could seriously threaten a womans life or her physical or mental health; could end in the birth of a severely handicapped child; or resulted from rape incest or other unlawful intercourse. In 1996 the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act was passed; it made access to legal abortion an integral part of the national health plan drafted during the 1994 elections. Since then the South African abortion law has been made liberal. However implementation of abortion services presented numerous challenges. These include access lack of trained health practitioners to perform pregnancy terminations lack of public education and moral issues. In view of such several initiatives were conducted; values clarification workshops were directed and training programs were initiated throughout the country. Although the South African public health system has achieved a great deal in 3 years since abortion was legalized several problems still need to be addressed.