Issued by: Gauteng Provincial Government
February 3 1997
TERMINATION OF PREGNANCY SERVICES MOVE INTO OPERATION
Larger hospitals in Gauteng experienced a considerable demand for termination of pregnancy on the first effective day of this service.
At Johannesburg Hospital, 17 women who are eligible under the new law requested terminations today, while another 26 who had passed the 20-week cut-off date also presented at the hospital.
Natalspruit saw 21 women, Baragwanath had seen 10 by mid-morning and GaRankuwa 13. Medium and small institutions typically saw 2 to 10 women. But a few experienced no demand at all on day one.
The Health Department was not able to thoroughly survey all our hospitals by lunch time today, but about two-thirds were contacted. Indications are that in all five regions there are institutions that are well-organised to offer the service, and in all regions there are some institutions which are lagging behind. Some are only organised sufficiently we refer women to other institutions.
"We are pleased with the state of preparation on the first day. Initially we pledged to have one properly functioning centre for each region and we have been able to achieve that and more," said Dr Carol Marshall, chief director for health programmes in Gauteng.
"We feel sure that we can guarantee all women who are nearing the 12-week and 20-week cut-off dates for legal termination that our services will not let them down."
Shortages of staff willing to perform terminations have proved more of a limiting factor than facilities or equipment. In the last few days, 150 MVA kits were delivered to hospitals and further kits will be delivered this week.
In general, larger hospitals have better capacity. However, there are exceptions to this and at least one of the smaller hospitals will actually be performing a number of terminations tomorrow.
Today, most of the women seen were counselled, the stage of pregnancy was determined and they were given dates to return for the termination to be carried out. In general, this is not an emergency procedure and the return date may not be immediate. Hospitals are being advised to give priority to women nearing the 12-week and 20-week cut-off dates laid down in law for the legal performance of various forms of termination.
One hitch which affected institutions across the province was the fact that the registration of the drug misoprostil for use in terminations did not come through on time. Although this was the drug of first choice. Gauteng will not be using it for the purpose of terminations until such use is cleared.
The guidelines sent out by the national Department of Health do include alternative drugs to misoprostil. Although these are slightly more expensive, they are in stock at our hospitals and will be used in the interim.
Women who are having difficulty in accessing termination services - from counselling and information, through to the actual procedure - should phone our helpline for referral to a hospital with capacity to assist them. The number is: 011 355 3230 and it is in operation between 08h0 and 16h00 on week days.
Released by the Gauteng Health Department
Contacts: Jo-Anne Collinge - 082 574 5510 Popo Maja - 082 373 1169