Bhekisisa Centre for Health Journalism

Why are thousands of babies dumped each year in SA instead of being safely aborted? Our Health Beat team takes a look.

On Health Beat: we tackle the crisis of abandoned babies and unsafe abortions in South Africa. At the Diepkloof mortuary in Soweto, forensic pathologist Shakeera Holland helps us uncover some harsh realities, while over at the University of Pretoria , Zozo Nene has solutions for improving access to safe reproductive care, one province at a time. https://lnkd.in/daeFRMu4 

A leaked memo circulating among South African researchers, addressed to grant management staff of the US government’s National Institutes of Health (NIH) and dated March 25, instructs officers to hold “all [research] awards to entities located in South Africa”. Get the full story, by Mia Malan for Bhekisisa Centre for Health Journalism https://lnkd.in/d3zFxhZq

Every year, hundreds of newborns and foetuses are dumped in places they can’t possibly survive — like the open veld and landfills. Why’s this happening in a country that’s had liberal abortion laws for the past 30 years? Because services are so hard to access, says women’s rights activist Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng. Mia Malan talks to her on #HealthBeat on our YouTube channel. https://lnkd.in/daeFRMu4

 It’s been described as a reproductive health crisis — foetuses dumped in dustbins and ditches. Why, and what’s the answer? #HealthBeat’s Mia Malan asks the experts on eNCA at 5.30pm this Sunday. 

Every year, hundreds of babies are abandoned across South Africa. Many of these newborns belong to young mothers, often unable to access abortion services. Zozo Nene, head of reproductive endocrinology at University of Pretoria , says policy changes in the education system and easier-to-access abortion services at state clinics could stop this cycle. Tune into #HealthBeat this Sunday at 5.30pm 

It's been nearly 30 years since South Africa legalised abortion, yet many women still find it difficult to access the service. From long waiting lists to stigma, women are forced to make unsafe choices, which can have tragic consequences. Reproductive health doctor Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng and others fighting for women’s rights tell Mia Malan it’s time for a new approach. Hear more on eNCA, channel 403 on DSTV.

Every year, hundreds of babies are abandoned across South Africa. Many of these newborns belong to young mothers, often unable to access abortion services. Zozo Nene, head of reproductive endocrinology at University of Pretoria , says policy changes in the education system and easier-to-access abortion services at state clinics could stop this cycle. Tune into #HealthBeat this Sunday at 5.30pm 

Every year, thousands of newborns and foetuses are found in drains, ditches and dumps. Why’s this happening in a country that’s had liberal abortion laws for the past 30 years? Often, because the service is too hard to access, says women’s rights activist Tlaleng Mofokeng. Mia Malan talks to reproductive health experts on #HealthBeat this Sunday on eNCA at 5.30 pm. 

Jayanta Bhattacharya, a controversial and divisive doctor, was confirmed as the new National Institutes of Health (NIH) director this week. Now there’s a memo circulating among SA researchers, saying all South Africa’s research grants could potentially be cut. Although the NIH didn’t confirm the existence of the memo, in response to Bhekisisa’s questions late on Thursday night, it also didn’t deny it. Along with China, the memo lists #SouthAfrica as a “country of concern”, which can’t be funded for research. Other issues that are not a research priority include anything to do with diversity, equity and inclusion, #gender identity, #vaccine hesitancy and #climatechange. https://lnkd.in/desr-t5M IG