1. What does the law say about abortion in South Africa?
The Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act makes it legal to get an abortion in South Africa. But the rules for when you can get an abortion and who can perform it depend on how far along your pregnancy is.
Up to your 12th week of pregnancy, having an abortion is your choice. You don’t have to explain your reasons for wanting to end the pregnancy.
If you’re between 13 and 20 weeks pregnant, the pregnancy may be terminated if it’s the result of rape or incest, you can’t afford to have a child or if your or the foetus’s health is at risk. This includes severe genetic disorders or serious brain or heart problems.
After 20 weeks, an abortion is possible only if continuing would put your or the baby’s life in danger. Two doctors have to agree about this.
