we give women access to the
information they need. They are
still the most vulnerable people
in our society. Abortions are
legal in South Africa. You can
terminate your pregnancy safely.
Back then, I didn’t know this.’
For Tumi*, 24, from Cape Town, having a private
gynae didn’t stop her from feeling like she was denied
the right care when she fell pregnant unexpectedly
at age 21. ‘I knew when the gynae told me I was
pregnant that an abortion was the right option for
me,’ she says. ‘Even how my gynae broke the news –
“Congrats!” – was uncomfortable. She had assumed
pregnancy was a good thing. When I asked
if she could give me a TOP, I could see she
was disappointed. She told me it was against
her religious views. I felt judged; like I was asking
to do something wrong.’ Per the law, Tumi’s gynae
did refer her to another healthcare provider who
could help. Since Tumi was only a few weeks
pregnant, she had a medical abortion. ‘The
next doctor explained to me what to expect. I took
a pill while I was with her, and she gave me a few
more pills to take at home over the next few days.
I just felt like I was having a heavy period.
The doctor made me feel normal and comfortable
about the whole thing. It was an easy decision.
Aside from how my gynae made me feel initially,
it was a positive experience. I knew I wasn’t ready
to have a baby, and I felt confident in my right
t o ch o o s e.’WHAT IF THE
PROBLEM IS YOUR
DOCTOR OR NURSE?
‘If you have a bad experience in the
government sector, you’d need to follow
the normal complaints procedure for that
health facility,’ explains Lopez Gonzalez.
‘If you don’t get help there, you can
escalate to the provincial department.’
Murray adds: ‘At private facilities,
if you feel wrongdoing is severe,
you can lodge a complaint with the
Health Professions Council of
South Africa.’32 %
Of women in
SA don’t know
abortion is legal.WHEN
‘CONGRATS!’ IS
THE LAST THING
YOU WANT
TO HEAR