'Community pharmacies can help lower high level of illegal abortions'

With an estimated 50% of abortions taking place illegally, community pharmacists are doing their bit to help women safely terminate their pregnancies.

This is according to the Independent Community Pharmacy Association (ICPA), which has turned the spotlight on unplanned and planned pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases and family planning in Reproductive Health Month, which ends on Tuesday.

Jackie Maimin, ICPA CEO, said community pharmacists can assist women with unplanned pregnancies to access a low-cost prescription-based telemedical abortion service. 

“This is a service most women are not aware of, and it is important that we raise awareness as South Africa is one of few countries where women continue to die from the consequences of unsafe abortions.”

Maimin said an estimated 50% of abortions take place outside regulated healthcare facilities as many women are not aware abortion is legal.