ILLEGAL abortions are unsafe and could lead to death.
Those were sentiments expressed by the KZN MEC for Health, Dr Sbongiseni Dhlomo, at an anti backstreet abortion campaign at uMdlamfe High School in eSikhaleni on Thursday.
The aim of the programme was to educate young women about the dangers of backstreet abortions.
Dhlomo said backstreet termination of pregnancies is usually conducted in non-sterile facilities, and have claimed lives of many women in KZN.
He called for action against illegal clinics.
‘Many women and girls have died in hospital after suffering complications from these illegal abortions.
‘Women must realize safe abortions are available in our medical institutions. It is every woman’s right to be attended to in a safe environment,’ he said.
He added that street pole, traffic light and wall advertisements offering backstreet abortions is a major contributing factor to the rise of illegal abortions in the province.
‘Young girls have to make up their own minds and not be influenced by men.’
The matter of ‘sugar daddies’ was also raised in Dhlomo’s address.
He said girls should have self-respect and resist being lured by older men.
‘The old men spread diseases to young people, which further fuels the HIV/Aids epidemic.’
