Scam abortions run rampant in Tzaneen

The law allows women to choose whether they want to terminate their pregnancy and that is up to 20 weeks on the grounds of the mother’s economic or social situation

After 20 weeks both the life of the mother and the child is at risk. But that does not stop bogus doctors who promise women pain free abortion no matter how far the pregnancy is.

The Herald contacted one of the “doctors” who had his poster plastered in town. One of our journalist pretended to be in need of his services saying the pregnancy is a month old. The “doctor” explained the procedure saying for everything to be done R650 should be paid. “I will give you two pills, one you will take it orally and the other I will insert inside your vagina. After that you can go home, the pills will start to work after three hours, that is when the fetus will be leaving the placenta. When you start bleeding you must drink strong black joko tea without sugar,” explained the “doctor”.

He added that for you to have a successful abortion you should push while drinking the tea and go for a walk afterwards.

After the “doctor’s” explanation the journalist said she lied and her pregnancy is five months. The doctor then said an amount of R1000 will be needed for a pregnancy that old.

Backstreet abortion puts a lot of women’s lives in jeopardy because it is done illegally and the personnels do not have all the required equipments or qualifications in some instances.

Some of the women interviewed by the Herald said they resort to backstreet abortion because health officials are hostile towards them.

“When you go to a public institution, the nurses there will start judging you and questioning your lifestyle. I would rather go where I will not be judged,” said one woman who wished to remain anonymous.

One woman said instead of doing what they (nurses) are hired to do they choose to be detectives and interrogate you until you do not feel comfortable.

Spokesperson for the Department of Health, Derick Kganyago, said they are aware of such practices and they are calling for it to stop. “Last year we embarked on a campaign calling for the end of backstreet abortion and bogus doctors. We involved municipalities and police officials in our campaign. The theme of our campaign was #bogusdoctorsmustfall #abortionmustfall #penisenlargementmustfal,” said Kganyago.

He further said that they are urging law authorities to play their part in fighting backstreet abortion. “The perpetrators must face the full might of the law,” he added.