In Memoriam – Eddie Mhlanga: a doctor and a friend with the biggest smile and the warmest heart in the world

by Marge Berer
ICWRSA Newsletter
11 February 2022

It is with great sadness that we report that Eddie Mhlanga, professor, policymaker, obstetrician-gynaecologist, abortion provider, passionate advocate for public health and women’s health and rights, and much loved colleague, died on 5 February 2022 after a short illness. He was only age 68.

Here are some excerpts from published articles by and about him, about his professional life and his enormous contributions to women’s health care in South Africa.

Continued: https://mailchi.mp/safeabortionwomensright/11-feb-2022?e=372dd34034

The shade of the baobab is no more — sleep well, beloved Prof Eddie Ronald Mhlanga

By Tlaleng Mofokeng
10 Feb 2022

There has been an outpouring of tributes and messages of gratitude from across the world and from the many colleagues and communities in South Africa and abroad for Professor Eddie Mhlanga’s life. He was a man of the people. Like a baobab tree, he offered shade from our harsh realities and rooted us in something way bigger than ourselves.

I experienced a deep loss on 5 February 2022,
when Professor Eddie Mhlanga, a friend, mentor and teacher, passed away. This
deep loss is felt by so many people: his family, whom we pray for, the medical
community and many patients who have interacted with him. I have had the
privilege of listening to him as a teacher, being comforted by him as a mentor
and laughing with him as a friend for many years.

Continued: https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-02-10-the-shade-of-the-baobab-is-no-more-sleep-well-beloved-prof-eddie-ronald-mhlanga/

10.02.2022

Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act

Dr Eddie Mhlanga

Eddie Mhlanga

FIGO

International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

International Planned Parenthood Federation

Ipas

National Committee for Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths

Partners for Reproductive Justice

Tlaleng Mofokeng

South Africa: Abortion – the legal service performed mostly illegally

Abortion – the legal service performed mostly illegally

HEALTH-E NEWS South Africa
29 Jan 2018

Healthworkers who refuse to help women who want abortions are driving them into the arms of illegal abortionists who perform more than half of the country’s procedures. But activists believe it is time to stop stigmatising this service. GILL GIFFORD reports for HEALTH-E NEWS.

“I did not used to agree with abortion, but I changed my view. It took the death of a close friend and colleague who had procured an abortion. I promised I would meet her in theatre. She collapsed 30 minutes before. Her womb was rotten. I operated on her and found massive infection. Her insides were full of pus. She was in ICU, and I prayed for her. She died after 10 days and her mother had to take in her four-year old son.”

Continued: https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2018-01-29-health-e-news-abortion-the-legal-service-performed-mostly-illegally/