Embargo: Immediate Release
Enquiries: Dr Monicca Molatlhegi
Mobile nr: +27 (0) 73 218 9356
Date: 31 January 2007
Time: 15:55

It is with great sadness that Doctors For Life International (DFL) notes the tenth anniversary of the legalization of abortion-on-demand. The current count of victims of this law amounts to more than 550 000 babies dead, thousands of women suffering from Post Abortion Syndrome and the intimidation of countless health workers refusing to participate in the atrocity of abortion. In the light of this, every abortion continues to blotch the integrity of the democratically elected government of South Africa.

Despite the growing amount of medical evidence supporting the humanity of the unborn child, the Department of Health continues its policy in support of abortion-on-demand. The abuse of the term “Choice” is a perversion of the truth because it exploits the language of rights as a pretext for taking away the most basic right of all: the right to life. Abortion is the destruction of those who cannot defend themselves, an extreme manifestation of the strong victimising the weak.

Apart from the destruction of human life, abortion also poses some serious health risks to the mother of the unborn child. Studies show that 25% of women suffer from Post Abortion Syndrome - a serious condition marked by sleep disorders, flashbacks and chronic depression, which can lead to suicide. Inherent in abortion are also the increased risks of contracting breast cancer and having problems with future pregnancies and childbearing. Through grass roots involvement with women suffering from the consequences of abortion, DFL have discovered that most women are never told about these health risks.

The vast majority of doctors and nurses have conscientious objection to taking part in the abortion procedure. Yet they are experiencing threats, intimidation and discrimination for exercising their constitutional right to freedom conscience. DFL’s legal team is constantly assisting professionals in the protection of their fundamental rights.

In 2006 DFL successfully challenged an amendment to the Abortion Law in the Constitutional Court. As a result Parliament must now consult with the public when reconsidering the legislation. It is expected that public hearings will be held throughout South Africa before the end of the year.

In the light of the grave consequences of abortion, DFL calls on government to reconsider its position on abortion DFL also calls on Parliament to recognize ethical dilemmas surrounding abortion when it amends the law later this year.

DFL is an association of more than 1300 medical doctors and professors. Since 1991 DFL has been active in emphasizing the scientifically proven humanity of the unborn child, as well as providing assistance to women with unwanted pregnancies. \

For more information, go to: www.doctorsforlifeinternational.com