Choosing what to do about an unplanned pregnancy takes its emotional toll. If you decide to terminate the pregnancy, ensure that you opt for a safe abortion procedure. ‘Backstreet’ abortions are not only illegal, but they are also often ineffective and can even be fatal. In this article, we discuss the differences between the two safe abortion options that are available, so that you have the information you need in order to decide which one is best for you.
ADVICE: What to look out for when using internet/mobile dating sites
The festive season is a time of merriment and creating wonderful memories with friends and family. If you’re single, watching your married/engaged friends having a wonderful time with each other may cause you to use online/mobile dating sites to find a potential ‘friend’ with whom you can enjoy the season.
International Safe Abortion Day
International Safe Abortion Day takes place annually on 28 September. It’s an international campaign to provide awareness that women have a human right to safe abortion.
There is a global stigma attached to the word ‘abortion’. It seems to be a social taboo that exists but shouldn’t be spoken about and unfortunately, this leads to women seeking ‘backstreet’ abortions, which are illegal, unsafe and often ineffective.
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Body of Work: Abortion Conversations exhibition part 4: Nicola Harris
In the final instalment of our Body of Work: Abortion Conversations series, we’re exploring the work of artist Nicola Harris.
Body of Work: Abortion Conversations features artists who have developed pieces specifically on the topic of abortion. The exhibition, hosted by Marie Stopes in conjunction Amnesty International and EASI, the End Abortion Stigma Initiative, was held in Cape Town as part of the city’s First Thursday initiatives. … Read More
Body of Work: Abortion Conversations exhibition part 3: Gillian Basson
We’re continuing with our Abortion Conversations interviews, which were held following the recent Body of Work: Abortion Conversations exhibition. … Read More
Body of Work: Abortion Conversations exhibition part 2: Kea Makhooane
Marie Stopes and EASI co-hosted a workshop on abortion stigma for artists earlier this year. At the workshop, artists were given the opportunity to discuss abortion with experts in the field and to have time to develop the concepts for their artworks with other artists.… Read More
Body of Work: Abortion Conversations exhibition part 1: Zola Ndimande
Marie Stopes, in conjunction with Amnesty International and EASI – the End Abortion Stigma Initiative – recently hosted the Body of Work: Abortion Conversations exhibition. … Read More
The Secret life of an Abortion Provider
When we first meet Sister Williams*, her hands are adorned with a Manual Vacuum Aspirator in one and a pair of forceps in the other. The room is warm, with an industrial fan drowning the moans of her patient. She is in the process of completing her second abortion for the day, with four more patients still to follow.
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Abortion side effects: 4 signs that you should see a doctor
If you or someone you know has recently had an abortion or is considering it, be on the look-out for these symptoms after the procedure. If you experience any of these side effects, you must get to your doctor or clinic ASAP. … Read More
Physical side effects after abortion: What you could expect
As with every other aspect of a woman’s body, the physical side effects after an abortion differ from woman to woman.… Read More
Medical termination of pregnancy: Your top 7 FAQs answered
Perhaps you’re considering having an abortion or maybe someone you care about is contemplating it. Either way, this procedure – the deliberate termination of a pregnancy – comes with a lot of questions. … Read More
Illegal Abortion: Facts That Will Shock South Africans
Here’s a fact about abortions that will blow your mind: the incidence of abortions is not related to abortion legality. In other words, in countries where abortion is illegal, the number of terminations doesn’t decrease. Banning the procedure merely drives women to take dangerous steps to end their pregnancies. … Read More
My Abortion Stories: 16-year-old Me & The Reasons For My Abortion
“I was a scared 16-year-old girl in a relationship with 21-year-old Thulani* when I discovered I was pregnant,” says Lebo*. “Sometimes we used condoms but most of the time we didn’t because Thulani said it didn’t feel as good for him when we used a condom. … Read More
Abortion stories: The surprising reason I terminated my pregnancy
“People find it hard to believe that some women don’t want to be moms, but I didn’t,” says Grace, a 32-year-old professional who faced an unwanted pregnancy last year. She’s happy to be part of group of women sharing their abortion stories to help others. … Read More
Abortion Stories: Why I Had an Abortion
Taz*, a 20-year-old student, was in a long-distance relationship when she discovered she was pregnant. “We’d been a bit careless when he’d come to visit me,” Taz says, adding that after some spontaneous unprotected sex, she’d taken the morning after pill. “Now I know the morning after pill is only 85% effective, because after he went back home, I discovered I was pregnant.”… Read More
Experiences with abortion pills: a mother’s story
“Discovering that I was pregnant last year was a huge shock. I already had three teenaged children, and my husband and I knew we couldn’t grow our family any bigger.”… Read More
Abortion Provider Appreciation- Sr Sesh
On the 10th of March 1993, Dr. David Gunn the first abortion provider murdered by the so-called “pro-life” movement was shot and killed for being an abortion provider.… Read More
Abortion Provider- Dr. Eddie Mhlanga
In South Africa, we cannot talk about abortion providers without talking about Dr. Eddie Mhlanga, a man who has inspired and mentored many of South Africa’s abortion providers.… Read More
Abortion Provider- Elna McIntosh
Today, we continue with the build up to Abortion Provider Appreciation day (10 March) and take into account that it is International Women’s Day so we see it fit that we celebrate a phenomenal woman, Professor Elna McIntosh. … Read More
Abortion Provider Appreciation- Vikar Singh
As we approach Abortion Provider Appreciation day on the 10th Of March, we would like to celebrate some of the medical heroes who are working to provide safe abortion care for South African women.… Read More