SOUTH AFRICA STANDS WITH HER – AND SHEDECIDES!

By Precious Mupenzi

• Minister of Social Development Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe told world leaders that South Africa remains resolute in upholding bodily autonomy, reproductive justice, and gender equality.
• The minister was part of a high-level panel at the Global Safe Abortion Dialogue – a side-line event hosted by SheDecides at the 69th Commission on the Status of Women.
• South Africa has one of the most progressive legislative and policy frameworks for abortion rights, rooted in human rights, gender equality, and reproductive autonomy, Minister Tolashe explained.

Minister of Social Development Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe delivered a powerful message of hope as she joined global leaders in a high-level panel discussion on advancing abortion rights and access at the Global Safe Abortion Dialogue – “No stigma, no barriers – only the dignity and respect you deserve.”

The side-line event, hosted by SheDecides during the 69th Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations headquarters in New York, brought together representatives from Canada, Colombia, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and South Africa to strengthen the global resilience movement for reproductive rights.

SheDecides is a global movement fighting for a world where every woman and girl can decide what to do with their body, life, and future.

The minister’s thoughtful words set the tone for a crucial conversation on South Africa’s unwavering commitment to reproductive rights and the urgent need to safeguard access to safe abortion.

She emphasised that South Africa remains resolute in its mission to uphold bodily autonomy, reproductive justice, and gender equality, adding: “Our journey has been one of resilience – from legalising safe abortion to ensuring reproductive health rights are upheld – and we continue to move forward, despite challenges.”

Speaking to SheDecides champions and her counterparts during the panel discussion, Tolashe emphasised South Africa’s commitment to reproductive rights, highlighting the country’s progressive legislative and policy framework supporting abortion rights.

A progressive legislative framework

“South Africa has one of the most progressive legislative and policy frameworks for abortion rights, rooted in human rights, gender equality, and reproductive autonomy.” 

At the core of this framework is the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act of 1996, which guarantees legal access to abortion under specific conditions: 

• First 12 weeks: A woman or girl of any age can request an abortion without providing a reason.
• Between13 to 20 weeks: Abortion is permitted in cases of rape, incest, risks to physical or mental health, or socio-economic circumstances.
• Beyond 20 weeks: Allowed only in exceptional cases where the pregnancy threatens the woman’s life or if the foetus has severe abnormalities.

In addition to the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act, several policies reinforce reproductive rights and access to safe abortion. These include the National Integrated Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Policy, which ensures access to comprehensive reproductive health services, the Adolescent and Youth Reproductive Health Policy, which guarantees confidential abortion services for young people, and the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, which strengthens access to abortion services for survivors of rape and incest. 

Despite this progressive legal framework, challenges persist, including healthcare provider bias, stigma, and unequal access in rural areas.

Overcoming challenges

Minister Tolashe reiterated the government’s commitment to overcoming these barriers through awareness campaigns, training for healthcare professionals, and improved service delivery in public health facilities.

As a SheDecides champion, Tolashe also addressed the ongoing challenges posed by conservative opposition to abortion rights. She highlighted the importance of proactive advocacy and policy reinforcement to counteract regressive narratives.

“We recognise that opposition and barriers still exist, but we will not turn back. We will continue to strengthen our healthcare systems, educate our communities, and advocate for policies that protect and uplift women and girls.”

Key strategies include:

• Human rights-based advocacy: Framing abortion as a constitutional right linked to dignity, equality, and healthcare.
• Engagement with religious and traditional leaders: Promoting dialogue on reproductive rights within ethical and cultural frameworks.
• Public awareness and education: Running media campaigns and school-based interventions to educate communities on safe abortion rights.
• Training for healthcare providers: Addressing bias and ensuring non-judgmental service provision.
• Intersectional approach to gender-based violence and reproductive rights: Strengthening post-rape care services and ensuring survivors can access abortion services.

A call to action

Minister Tolashe concluded the discussion with a resounding call to action: “Together, with courage and solidarity, we will overcome resistance, challenge harmful norms, and create a world where every person can decide for themselves without shame, without fear, without question.”

With South Africa standing firm as a global advocate for reproductive rights, the message remains clear: The future is bright, the future is ours. SheDecides, and South Africa stands with her!