Pro-Life South Africa
In South Africa, we currently have the CHOICE ON TERMINATION OF PREGNANCY ACT: 1996.
I have summarised below some of the main points (taken directly from the act, but the words in purple are my comments):
- “To determine the circumstances in which and conditions under which the pregnancy of a woman may be terminated; and to provide for matters connected therewith.
- Some definitions listed:
- “termination of a pregnancy” means the separation and expulsion, by medical or surgical means, of the contents of the uterus of a pregnant woman;
- “minor” means any female person under the age of 18 years;
- “woman” means any female person of any age.
Circumstances in which and conditions under which pregnancy may be terminated:
(a) upon request of a woman (any age!) during the first 12 weeks (3 months!) of the gestation period of her pregnancy;
– By a medical practitioner, or a registered midwife who has completed the prescribed training course.
(b) from the 13th up to and including the 20th week (5 months for economic and social reasons!) of the gestation period if a medical practitioner, after consultation with the pregnant woman, is of the opinion that- · ‘ ·
(i) the continued pregnancy would pose a risk of injury to the woman’s
· ·physical or mental health; or ·
(ii) there exists a substantial risk that the fetus would suffer from a severe
physical or mental abnormality; or
(iii) the pregnancy resulted from rape or incest; or
(iv) the continued pregnancy would significantly affect the social or
economic circumstances of the woman; or
(c) after the 20th week of the gestation period if a medical practitioner, after
consultation with another medical practitioner or a registered midwife, is of
the opinion that the continued pregnancy-· ·
(i) would endanger the woman’s life;
(ii) would result in a severe malformation of the fetus; or
(iii) would pose a risk of injury to the fetus.
Consent:
(l) Subject to the provisions of subsections (4) and (5), the termination of a pregnancy may only take place with the informed consent of the pregnant woman.
(2) Notwithstanding any other law or the common law, but subject to the provisions of subsections (4) and (5), no consent other than that of the pregnant woman shall be required for the termination of a pregnancy.
(3) In the case of a pregnant minor, a medical practitioner or a registered midwife, as the case may be, shall advise such minor to consult with her parents, guardian, family members or friends before the pregnancy is terminated: Provided that the termination of the pregnancy shall riot be denied because such minor chooses not to consult them. (a minor can get abortion without consulting parents).“
According to a study done by the Guttmacher Institute in 2017, about Abortion in Africa, Cape Verde and Tunisia are the only African countries similar to South Africa in allowing abortion without restriction as to reason. Refer to table:
My question to South Africans is – are we really happy with is?
The African heartbeat is precious to God. The Giver of life: my blog/ God gives life.
Do you realise how cherished you are?
HOW LAWS ARE MADE & AMENDED: « PARLIAMENT WEBSITE »
Pro-Life Organisations
⇒ Christian Action: Pro-Life Organisations in South Africa
⇒ Project Life Pro-Life Facebook page
Other countries