SOUTH AFRICA – Limpopo teen says religious objection at clinic drove her to unsafe abortion

Moyahabo Mabeba
July 6, 2026

An 18-year-old from rural Limpopo says she was denied a legal abortion at a public clinic last month, after a nurse refused to help her on religious grounds, leaving her to seek an illegal abortion from a traditional healer.

In May, the matriculant from Makotopong village, says she missed her period and suspected she was pregnant.

“The moment I missed my menstruation, I just suspected that there was something wrong. I confided in my cousin, and she suggested that we buy a pregnancy test kit from a pharmacy. The kit confirmed the pregnancy.”

Continued: https://health-e.org.za/2026/07/06/limpopo-teen-religious-objection-clinic-unsafe-abortion/


South Africa – Report sparks row over abortion rights, healthcare workers’ beliefs

By Tshwarelo eseng Mogakane
28th June 2026

Women in Limpopo and the Eastern Cape travel up to 300km to access reproductive healthcare services, with many subsequently being denied the right to terminate pregnancies with dignity.

A report by Section 27 and the Centre for Child Law found that some healthcare workers are denying women legal abortions, on the basis of moral and religious beliefs.

Continued: https://sundayworld.co.za/politics/report-sparks-row-over-abortion-rights-healthcare-workers-beliefs/