During the commemoration of International Safe Abortion Day in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, the organisation Abortion Support emphasised the importance of safe, legal abortion access and urged society to move away from stigmatising women who choose to terminate their pregnancies.
Victoria Satchwell, the organisation’s spokesperson, highlighted that abortion is not a crime and should be treated as a normal healthcare decision. She pointed out that one in four women in South Africa have had an abortion, underscoring the commonality of the procedure.
“Stigma often drives women to unsafe, backstreet providers, leading to potential health risks and complications. It’s essential to normalize abortion and ensure women have access to safe, effective methods without feeling ashamed,” Satchwell said.
The aim of the day’s events was to raise awareness about the need for safe and legal abortion services and to advocate for women’s reproductive rights.
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