06 Oct A fundamental mindshift needed by doctors and nurses when it comes to protecting unborn babies and their mothers.

Abortion, Conscientious Objection and the Law

At one level, there is a simple answer to the advertised question.

Section 15, read with sections 16 (freedom of expression) and 9 (right to equality) of the Bill of Rights gives everyone the right to freedom of conscience, religion, thought, belief and opinion.

Taking this approach the complication arises from section 10 (c) of The Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act, 92 of 1996 – hereafter “the Abortion Act”. 

It reads: “10 (1) Any person who … (c) prevents the lawful termination of a pregnancy or obstructs access to a facility for the termination of a pregnancy, shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding 10 years.” (But see the effect of “informed consent” later.)

But In this presentation  I want us to approach this issue in a wholly new way, which  addresses the real issue underlying the need for conscientious objection, caring for all unborn children and their mothers, and, partially, section 10(1) (c) of the Abortion Act.