The Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act (Act 92 of 1996) states that “reproductive rights must be guaranteed and reproductive health services must promote people’s rights to privacy and dignity”, but most communities seem to lack proper information about this legislative aspect. The purpose of the study was to explore the community’s perceptions regarding legal choice of termination of pregnancy in order to have a broader understanding how the community views termination of pregnancy, and whether they are able to access legal termination of pregnancy. An exploratory qualitative study was conducted. The exploratory and descriptive research assisted the researcher to have adequate time to explore and describe the community’s perceptions about termination of pregnancy. The researcher purposely selected participants who consult at a particular Tshwane hospital as most of this particular community members presents with complications of illegal abortions. Both men and women above 18 years had an opportunity to participate. Data was collected until saturation is reached. Thematic analysis was conducted. The findings reveal that the community still needs to be given more information about rights and laws surrounding termination of pregnancy. Recommendations were made to create more awareness and improve access. / Health Studies / M.A. (Health Studies)

The South African government promulgated the Choice on Termination of pregnancy Act (CTOP Act, 92 of 1996). This was a dramatic declaration of intent unprecedented in the African continent and globally. This act changed the outlook of the practice of termination of pregnancy by ensuring that services play a critical role in the delivery of the service. This study, which is qualitative in nature, explored the experiences of Termination of Pregnancy service providers working in three designated public health institutions in the Limpopo Province. Interviews were conducted with six service providers to look at how they construct their practice of providing termination of pregnancy services. The information was analyzed and interpreted by means of a thematic analysis method. Major themes that emerged from the participants’ experiences centred on their relationship with family, colleagues, management, clients, and the community reflecting a sense of alienation and lack of adequate infrastructural support. Inadequate support has been found to greatly contribute to the loss of interest in the work around abortion. / Psychology / M. A. (Clinical Psychology)

The South African government promulgated the Choice on Termination of pregnancy Act (CTOP Act, 92 of 1996). This was a dramatic declaration of intent unprecedented in the African continent and globally. This act changed the outlook of the practice of termination of pregnancy by ensuring that services play a critical role in the delivery of the service. This study, which is qualitative in nature, explored the experiences of Termination of Pregnancy service providers working in three designated public health institutions in the Limpopo Province. Interviews were conducted with six service providers to look at how they construct their practice of providing termination of pregnancy services. The information was analyzed and interpreted by means of a thematic analysis method. Major themes that emerged from the participants’ experiences centred on their relationship with family, colleagues, management, clients, and the community reflecting a sense of alienation and lack of adequate infrastructural support. Inadequate support has been found to greatly contribute to the loss of interest in the work around abortion. / Psychology / M. A. (Clinical Psychology)