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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.21088/ijfmp.0974.3383.14321.2

Abstract

Background: The Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act of 1996 )Act 92 of 1996) has so far had very little impact on criminal abortions in the Transkei region of South Africa. This raises the serious question why the women opt for an illegal abortion rather than go to designated legal abortion clinics which carry out safe abortions in South Africa. Objective: To study the underlying reasonswomen,prefer to go for an illegal abortion in Transkei region of South Africa. Method: Two medical students voluntarily found out the facts regarding illegal abortions in Transkei region of South Africa. These students went to an illegal abortionist and then described in a student research assignment what they saw there. Results: In 2015 two medical students consulted both a legal and an illegal abortionist facility in rural pretendingtowant an abortion. Their conversationswere recorded. The legal clinic was not user-friendly, misbehaved with the girls, cast doubt on their confidentiality and took a long time to do the abortions, while the illegal abortionist charged money for their service, but they were quick and kept confidentiality. Conclusion: Illegal facilities are more user-friendly and ensured confidentiality which leads to women going to anillegal abortionist instead. Keywords | Abortion, Confidentiality, Illegal abortion, Abortion clinic.

Corresponding Author : Banwari Meel: Professor, HIV/ AIDS Management (Stellenbosch), Research Associate, Faculty of Health Sciences, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth 6017 South Africa.