The departmental spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane, says this as backstreet abortions create serious health problems. He says bogus doctors and services use unsafe methods of terminating a pregnancy that often results in serious infections, infertility and even the death of unsuspecting women. He adds this as several women have fallen victim to bogus doctors. Lekgethwane says this is not only costly to the department but creates a burden on the health care system.

“The Department has designated hospitals and community health centres that provide a choice on the termination of pregnancy (CTOP) services” The service is free of charge under any circumstance and has safety guarantees to women,” he says. He says the department also offers contraceptive methods that women can choose for reproduction health care.

“Available services are contraceptive injections, loops, contraceptive pills, implants and condoms which are freely available throughout health facilities.”

“The CTOP can be offered to women up until the 12th week (three months) of pregnancy. Beyond this period, termination of pregnancy becomes difficult and complicated,” he further adds. Lekgethwane adds that the problem facing the department is that the people who use these backstreet services often flock back to the health care facilities with serious complications. “Since the implementation of the Choice of Termination of Pregnancy Act in 1996, the North West has made the service available in 18 health facilities like hospitals and community health centres,” Lekgethwane further adds.

OFM News