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Barriers to implementing South Africa's Termination of Pregnancy Act in rural KwaZulu/Natal

2000; Oxford University Press; Volume: 15; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1093/heapol/15.4.424

1460-2237

Abigail Harrison,

Global Maternal and Child Health

Introduction: South Africa's Termination of Pregnancy Act, the most liberal abortion law in Africa, took effect early in 1997. In spite of the anticipated benefits to women's health, however, public reaction has been mixed. In the country's most populous province, KwaZulu/Natal, opposition is strong and most health care providers have refused to provide the service. This study explored attitudes and beliefs about abortion and the Termination of Pregnancy Act among primary care nurses and community members in a rural district in order to better understand barriers to implementation of the new law.