Abortion : guidelines for social work intervention

Abstract

This article is based on the research that was done at the TOP Clinic at Kalafong Hospital near Pretoria. The study was intended to investigate the psychosocial aspects related to termination of pregnancy on the woman, as well as the service that is provided at the TOP facilities, so that improvements could be made for the women to receive a comprehensive service. It has been established that the team who renders the service at the state TOP facilities is not well-composed, as it consists of medical personnel only, namely, the nurses and doctors. As a result, women who request termination of pregnancy at these facilities, because they are unable to afford the service at the private facility, are not provided with a comprehensive service. Guidelines for social work intervention at the TOP Clinic is provided, for an improved service delivery, regarding women who opt for termination of pregnancy.