ABORTION.
IT’S YOUR CHOICE.
Survivors of gender-based violence sometimes have to deal with pregnancy. Accessing abortion can seem scary and negative attitudes in society can make it hard to know who to speak to. You might not want anyone to know what you’ve been through or are worried you might be judged. But at Kwanele, we are here to guide you through the process so that you have information and support.
WHAT IS ABORTION?
Abortion is a medical process that ends a pregnancy. It is also called a ‘termination of pregnancy’ and is legal in South Africa. Abortion can be really stigmatised, but the reality is that people from all cultural, social, and religious backgrounds have abortions. It is the decision of the person who is pregnant. Sometimes this choice can be hard or complicated, but for many people, abortion is an easy and necessary choice. If you are pregnant as a result of sexual or gender-based violence, abortion can be an important part of your recovery. It is your decision.
WHAT DOES THE LAW SAY?
Abortion is legal in South Africa for anyone living in the country. If you go for an abortion within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, you will not have to explain why you want an abortion. If you are between 13 and 20 weeks pregnant, it is still legal for you to have an abortion. You can have an abortion for physical or mental health reasons, because the pregnancy is the result of violence, or because of your socio-economic circumstances. According to the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act, if you are over the age of 12 years, you do not need a parent or guardian’s permission to get an abortion.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
In the first 12 weeks, a doctor or nurse can give you medicine that will stop the pregnancy. After that (between 13-20 weeks), you might have to have a small surgery by a doctor to terminate the pregnancy. You will not have to stay overnight at the clinic and will be given a local anaesthetic. Most public clinics in the country should provide this service, but not all of them do. Reach out to Kwanele and we can help you find the place closest to you that can help.
I NEED HELP. WHAT DO I DO?
Abortion in South Africa is legal, safe, and much more common than you might think! A lot of people have opinions about abortion, but don’t let that stop you from getting more information or accessing care. As a survivor, you deserve to do what feels right to you and will help you go on to live a full and beautiful live, no matter what you have been through. You can contact Kwanele and we will support you in accessing information and abortion services.
IS ISN’T THE END.
Globally, 200,0000 abortions are carried out every single day. It might feel like you’re stuck and alone, but we’re here to tell you that it couldn’t be further from the truth. Get in touch with us and we’ll be more than happy to talk to you about how you’re feeling and provide you with the next steps forward.
PRIVACY POLICY…
In order to stay ethical and safe, we do not store any of your personal information as we are aware of the risk. In the future, we might start storing minor information to help you on the platform, but this will be a choice that you can make.