Dear Ms Powell,

My name is Gaopalelwe Phalaetsile, and I am the founder and board member of an organisation called Abortion Support South Africa. We provide telemedical abortion referral services and work in collaboration with other organisations to improve access to safe abortion care.

In your question to the Minister of Health in November 2024 regarding facilities that comply with section 3(1)(a-k) of the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act, Act 92 of 1996 (as amended in 2008), and facilities that have had their approval withdrawn under subsection 3(1)(k) for non-compliance during the period 1 January 2018 to the most recent available date, we would like to request additional clarity. Specifically, we ask that you request a detailed list of the names of the facilities mentioned.

The experience on the ground highlights a significant gap between what is reported and the reality faced by women seeking abortion services. Many women are forced to travel to other provinces or resort to alternative, often unsafe, methods to access care. A complete list of facilities would aid in verifying the information and addressing the challenges more effectively.

Thank you for your continued efforts on this important issue, and I look forward to your response.

Kind regards,
Gaopalelwe Phalaetsile
Founder and Board Member, Abortion Support South Africa