The new, rather controversial, legislation allows South African girls under the age of 18 who seek abortions to go ahead with this difficult personal decision without parental consent. The law, however, does not provide any formal counselling in lieu of parental advice. 

According to the Department of Health almost 72 000 girls under the age of 18 received an abortion across the nine provinces in 2006. Health care providers are supposed to advise minors to consult with parents or guardians – on a voluntary basis. There is no formal requirement that the health services should make counselling available to every girl about to have an abortion. 

Since in many cases these girls would not have informed parents or guardians of their decision, a large number of them, as a result, receive no support or advice of any kind. 

Whatever one might feel about abortion, the decision to undergo one cannot be easy and is likely to be a traumatic experience. The failure to provide abortion counselling on the part of the Department of Health leaves thousands of girls vulnerable to the harsh psychological and even physical consequences of their decision. 

The Department of Health has shown that formal counselling can be taken seriously in terms of state policy. Counselling for people who are tested for HIV, for instance, is mandatory and the requirement is enforced with vigour.

We in the IFP believe that the gap created by the Department of Health with regard to abortion counselling could be meaningfully filled with professional advice about contraception and safer sex. 

The IFP’s views on abortion are as varied among its individual members as in any other political party. It is essentially a matter of conscience. Legally, however, abortion is permissible in South Africa and we have an obligation to ensure that the law is applied responsibly.

Dr Lionel Mtshali MPP
Leader of the Official Opposition

Contact: Dr Lionel Mtshali, 083 256 4902