The announcement that thousands of South African children under the age of 17 are becoming pregnant and giving birth is not merely a public health crisis—it is a savage indictment of our society. This tragedy forces us to confront an uncomfortable truth: for the youngest girls, especially those aged 10 to 14, their pregnancy is…
In recent weeks, public outrage and confusion have swirled around the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill, with many misconceptions making the rounds, especially when it comes to sensitive topics like pregnancy and abortion. Here at Marie Stopes, we feel it’s essential to provide clarity and support our young women during such critical times. The…
By Marie Stopes South Africa Most often, women are victims of reproductive coercion and abuse. With the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, it is important to highlight forms of abuse that is often overlooked because they do not always present as violent. So many struggles with Reproductive Coercion and…
Ectopic pregnancies have been heavily debated in this post-Roe world. Abortion providers in the United States and around the world have growing concerns about access to abortion and care associated with abortion. The Anti-Choice Movement has concerns about the treatment of ectopic pregnancies, considering the removal of a tubal pregnancy the same as having an…
There are a number of theories on how COVID-19 affects pregnant women and their babies. Health experts don’t yet have a definitive answer for us either as not enough information is available. It was widely reported in the early days of COVID-19 that the coronavirus does not pose any negative effects in pregnancy. This was according to a…
The majority of contraceptives on the market are considered to be safe for women breastfeeding a child; but there are a few types that can lower your milk supply. In this article, we’ll discuss contraception that is safe to use and which you should avoid. Safe to use Progestin-only contraceptives Progestin-only contraceptives come in several…
There’s no doubt that parenting a new-born is challenging, especially if you’re a first-time mom. A lack of sleep and expressing breast milk are just two physical challenges that you’ll need to overcome. It’s probable that you’ll also experience emotional pain called ‘baby blues’ which according to the Mayo Clinic includes, ‘mood swings, crying spells…
Giving birth to a child is one of the most beautiful part of your life. However, you’re naturally going to gain weight during the pregnancy, and many women find it difficult to shed the kilos after they’ve given birth. Don’t worry. We’re here to help you with five healthy post-pregnancy weight loss tips. According to…
An ectopic pregnancy arises when the fertilised egg implants and begins to grow, outside of the uterus. It cannot be left untreated as it can cause life-threatening bleeding. Here’s everything you need to know about an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy usually occurs in one of your fallopian tubes (the tube that carries the fertilised…
If you smoke, drink or are malnourished during pregnancy, it increases the risks of harming the baby, sometimes to such an extent that you may have no option but to terminate the pregnancy. It’s essential for women to know how to optimise their health during pregnancy. Here are five ways that will contribute to having…