Although abortion has been legal in South Africa since November 1996, it is estimated that between 52% and 58% of the estimated 260,000 abortions that take place in South Africa each year are illegal.
According to the World Health Organization, about 7 million women are hospitalized each year in developing countries because of unsafe abortions.
On Monday, the Gauteng Department of Health warned women against the dangers and side effects of backstreet abortions.
She urges women not to risk their lives with these “fly-by-night” abortions because of the many side effects including infection, heavy blood loss and damage to the cervix that can prevent you from conceiving again.
When you can get an abortion in South Africa
According to the South African government website, a woman must be less than 13 weeks pregnant to have an abortion without giving a reason for termination.
A pregnancy between 13 and 20 weeks can only be terminated in certain circumstances.
Abortion past the 20th week of pregnancy is not allowed in South Africa unless the life of the mother or the fetus is in danger or if there is a possibility of serious birth defects.
See also: Three types of stress that women experience, depending on their age
Is abortion free in South Africa?
Abortion is free in government hospitals and clinics in South Africa.
If you choose to have an abortion at a private facility like the Marie Stopes clinic, the procedure can cost anything between R2 100 and R6 500 depending on the type of abortion you need.
Where to get a free abortion in Gauteng:
Johannesburg District
- Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital
- Randhawa Kidul Hospital
- Chiawelo Community Health Center
- Bukittinggi Health Center
- South Lenasia Hospital District
- Zola Community Health Center
- Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital
Ekurhuleni District
- Bertha Gxowa District Hospital
- Thelle Mogoarane Hospital
- Jabulani Dumani Health Center
- Pholosong Regional Hospital
- And Puskesmas Ngwenya
- Tembisa Regional General Hospital
- Esangu Community Health Center
Tshwane District
- Academic Hospital Dr. George Mukhari
- Odi District Hospital
- District Community Health Center
- Soshanguve Community Health Center
- Phedisong Health Center 4
- District Hospital
- Kalafong Hospital
- Laudium Community Health Center
- Tshwane District Hospital
- Stanza Bopape Public Health Hall
- Eersterust Community Health Center
West Randu District
- Carletonville Hospital
- Dr. Yusuf Dadoo Hospital
- Leratong Hospital
- Randgate Clinic
Sedibeng District
- Heidelberg District Hospital
- Sebong Hospital
- Johan Heyns Community Health Center