ACDP calls on health workers to refuse to do abortions
Steve Swart MP


The African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) calls on health workers to legally refuse to help abortionists in terms of their Constitutional right to freedom of conscience and belief. This comes as people, from across the country, today march against abortion to mark the eighth anniversary of the abortion law in South Africa.

"By knowing your rights and standing up for them, you can protect yourself and others from participating in abortions." said Steve Swart, ACDP MP and spokesperson on Justice.

Today's march coincides with the case of Sister Charles, a nurse who's refused to participate in abortions on the grounds of her religious beliefs. That case comes before the Constitutional Court in the near future.

"There is a world-wide outcry against abortion. Last week, a hundred thousand Americans protested against abortion at the US Supreme Court."

"The present South African government congratulates itself on its many achievements, with abortion legislation topping the list. 400 thousand unborn babies have been aborted since the abortion law was passed in 1997."

Last year the abortion legislation was amended to make it easier to access abortions. This despite objections from pro-life activists, the majority of the country's nurses and public opinion, whereby most South Africans believe abortion is wrong.

In a l998 survey two thirds of the 72 000 nurses who belong to the Democratic Nursing Organisation of SA (Denosa) expressed their opposition to abortion.

"Major concerns include the lack of protection for conscientiously objecting nurses who are being pressured to assist with abortions against their will."

According to the law, it is already a criminal offence to prevent the lawful termination of a pregnancy or to obstruct access to an abortion facility with a person facing up to 10 years imprisonment. There have been constant calls from Pro-choice groups for regulations to force health workers to participate in abortion.

The ACDP pays tribute to health workers, such as Nurse Charles, who have taken the government to court for trying to compel them to perform abortions.

"If we don't fight this now, health workers may, in the near future, suffer job discrimination or be forced by law to assist with abortions."