Termination-of-pregnancy rights and foetal interests in continued existence in South Africa : the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act 92 of 1996

Abstract

The aim of this article is to demonstrate that although South Africa has permissive termination-of-pregnancy legislation to the extent that women can terminate first- and second-trimester pregnancies on demand and for socio-economic reasons, foetal interests are in fact taken into account. The system of female reproductive rights progressively shelters foetal interests, albeit to a limited extent.