The Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act No. 92 of 1996 gives all women the right to a free TOP at a government facility during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. According to the Act, the procedure can also be performed from the 13th week up to the 20th week of the pregnancy after consultation with a medical practitioner, under certain specific conditions.
In view of the current discourse internationally regarding TOP’s, the SAHRC deems it prudent to engage in discussion relating to the challenges experienced by pregnant persons in this regard, and to reaffirm the right to bodily integrity of those seeking to terminate their pregnancies as catered for in domestic legislation, and protected by our Constitution. The stakeholder engagement will therefore be held as follows:
Date: 4th of May 2022
Time: 11H30 – 13H00
Venue: Microsoft Teams
The dialogue will include various participants from civil society who will provide first hand accounts of the challenges experienced in accessing safe TOPs within the province. The SAHRC invites interested stakeholders to make contact with our office should you wish to be included in the engagements accordingly.
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For further information, contact the SAHRC Provincial Manager, Dr Eileen Carter @ 043 722 7828/072 638 9016 or email on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and Advocacy and Research Officer, Zukiswa N Mqakanya @ 043 722 7828 or email on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Media Advisory: SAHRC Eastern Cape Provincial Office to conduct a stakeholder engagement on the alleged lack of adequate access to termination of pregnancy services
Attention: Editors and Reporters
04 May 2022
Attention: Editors and Reporters
From complaints received and reports obtained from various media outlets, the Eastern Cape Provincial Office (ECPO) of the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has noted that there is increasing allegations of a lack of adequate Termination of Pregnancy services (TOP/Abortion) within the Province, as well as Nationally. Women seeking legal abortions appear to face a lack of accessible information on where to obtain an abortion, often experience stigma at facilities, and several obtain illegal procedures which may be fatal. Abortions were legalized in South Africa in 1996, during the country's transition from apartheid to independence and democracy.
04 May 2022
Attention: Editors and Reporters
From complaints received and reports obtained from various media outlets, the Eastern Cape Provincial Office (ECPO) of the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has noted that there is increasing allegations of a lack of adequate Termination of Pregnancy services (TOP/Abortion) within the Province, as well as Nationally. Women seeking legal abortions appear to face a lack of accessible information on where to obtain an abortion, often experience stigma at facilities, and several obtain illegal procedures which may be fatal. Abortions were legalized in South Africa in 1996, during the country's transition from apartheid to independence and democracy.
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