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16 May 2011

The Department of Health welcomes the arrest this past weekend of a man suspected to be part of a syndicate of bogus doctors performing illegal abortions. 

The man was arrested this past Saturday shortly before he could allegedly abort a young Pretoria woman's unborn baby. Members of the public are strongly urged to utilise the services of registered clinics and hospitals for purposes of termination of pregnancies. In registered clinics and hospitals the termination services are performed by qualified and trained doctors and nurses in proper environments. Such services are provided free of charge. 

The department would like to urge members of the public especially those who want to exercise their choice to terminate pregnancies to avoid going to illegal, unregistered facilities that are mostly unhygienic. Such illegal abortions often lead to extreme dangers such as permanent damage of the womb and even death in some instances. People wishing to terminate pregnancy are advised to talk to their health worker (a doctor or nurse) where they will be given counselling on the procedure. Illegal, backstreet abortion facilities are only there to crook desperate women and rob them of their cash. 

The department would like to commend members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) for arresting perpetrators of these evil acts. Members of the public are urged to work with the Department of Health and SAPS in reporting all suspected places where these illegal abortions are performed. 

Enquiries:
Fidel Hadebe
Tel: 012 395 8493
Cell: 079 517 3333 

Issued by: Department of Health
16 May 2011

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