South African women and young girls all over the world have had many rights instituted for their sake, safety and peace of mind in the last two decades. This promoted a position of legal and social equality of women with men. Some of those rights include: the right to work and earn a living, equality in regards to social norms and the right to have an abortion (this is illegal in some states like Louisiana, Virginia and Kansas, Which are all overseas states).

The abortion debate has been going on for the past 20 years or so and many states and countries, one of which is South Africa, have passed a law that makes it legal. However, on the flip side of the coin is that the same law is questioned. When it comes to wanting to have an abortion or considering it, morality usually comes into play. All human beings have a right to life, but not all of us consider a foetus to be a human being, therefore it may be an easy decision to have an abortion because technically, we’re not killing anyone.

It may not be murder but it’s still considered as taking a life, that’s how some people, states and countries rationalise it. That said, in today’s life with sexual promiscuity, lack in sexual education, HIV/Aids, rape, poverty and sexual abuse against women and children, it is justifiable to some to have an abortion either when they are not ready to be parents, don’t want to have any children just yet, can’t afford to have and raise a child or the child was conceived through rape. In some communities that’s still looked down upon even though it’s legal.

Shouldn’t a woman/teen have the right to do with their body whatever they want to? With piercings and tattoos, which were taboo 20 years ago, having become some sort of fashion amongst women and girls, is it fair to still judge what a girl or woman wants to do with or to their body? These are questions we as women, teen girls, families and communities need to talk about. If we sweep it under the mat or brutally judge those who choose to go the abortion route, we open the door to back door abortions.

Just think how scary it must be for a teenager who is still in school and wants to finish and study further, who is pregnant and scared to tell their parents because in our communities it is still considered a disgrace to fall pregnant as a teenager. Not wanting to be ridiculed or bring shame to their families, those same girls solve their pregnancy problem by calling Dr John, Abraham or David whose numbers are splashed all over trains, frequently visited public places and lamp posts in our communities, to schedule an abortion which only costs ± R300.

I’m not taking sides and neither am I saying that it is right or wrong to have an abortion. All I’m saying is that having or wanting to have an abortion should be an individual choice. No one has the right to make you do something you don’t want to. We all know the difference between wrong and right and we all have our own descriptions when it comes to morals. However, if you ever had to find yourself at such a place where you are considering abortion, it is always best to talk to a councillor or a friend so you are mentally and emotionally prepared for whatever consequences may follow.

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For any advice, assistance or queries in regards with wanting to have an abortion, contact:

Family and Marriage Association of SA National office: (011) 975-7106/7

Life Line 24-hour toll-free helpline: 0800 055 555

Women in Crises Helpline: (011) 642 4345

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Tell us: What are you views on abortion?