The high rate of illegal abortions around the country is a major challenge that needs an urgent intervention.

"It is shocking to see that in the major cities, there is a proliferation of notices pasted on street walls, in taxi ranks, bus stops and in public toilets promising pain-free abortions done in a few minutes. This needs urgent attention from the government and the community at large" said Hon. Hilda Msweli, IFP Spokesperson on Health in Parliament.

"It appears that the Department of Health is doing little or nothing to intervene, and are not educating people about the risk of attending these illegal institutions. In most cases, these people offering this type of service are unqualified and operate from informal premises. They prey on people who are desperate" said Msweli.

"The communities must be better educated on how to differentiate between legal and illegal abortion clinics and what risk they put themselves in if they attend these illegal abortion facilities. This is the responsibility of the Department of Health, yet the problem is growing" said Msweli

The IFP urges the Department of Health to work closely with Provincial Departments to organize summits, conferences and campaigns to educate communities about illegal abortion. In addition the Department should work with the Traditional Healers Association, clamping down on traditional healers who offer abortion services. These people are endangering people's lives.

Hon Hilda Msweli MP on 072 513 1833

IFP Spokesperson on Health