ABORTION LAWS IN SOUTH AFRICA:
Abortion has been legal in South Africa since November of 1996 and is regulated by the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act 92 of 1996 (amended in 2008).
WHAT IS THE LEGAL ABORTION AGE IN SOUTH AFRICA?
Women of all ages can legally have an abortion in South Africa. A girl under the age of 18 is also allowed to have an abortion, with the consent of her legal guardian. A woman that is mentally ill and who is not compos mentis needs the consent of a guardian to legally terminate a pregnancy.
UP TO WHEN MAY A PREGNANCY BE TERMINATED?
- If a woman is less than 13 weeks pregnant, a pregnancy may be terminated without giving any reasons.
- If the woman is between 13 and 20 weeks pregnant, the pregnancy may only be terminated under specific conditions, such as social or economic threats.
- After 20 weeks of pregnancy, termination will only be allowed if there are serious threats to the lives of the mother or baby, or if the foetus has birth defects.
WHERE MAY THE TERMINATION OF PREGNANCY TAKE PLACE?
Pregnancies may only be terminated at facilities that have been approved and designated by the Minister and notice have been published in the Government Gazette.
For further information regarding the legal termination of pregnancies, feel free to contact our offices to schedule a consultation whereby you can discuss your situation with our expert family lawyers.
DISCLAIMER: Information provided in this article does not, and is not intended to constitute legal advice. READ MORE
