Here’s how an abortion works from week 13

In South Africa, both medical and surgical abortions are allowed.

By South African law only a surgical abortion is possible when you’re over 12 weeks pregnant and only a doctor may do it.

In the second video of a three-part series on abortions, Boitumelo Lewele, a former clinical manager at Marie Stopes South Africa, tells Mohale Moloi how surgical abortions work and what to expect.

Abortions can be done using two methods. One is called a medical abortion and the other is surgical, which involves a small procedure. When a pregnancy is past 12 weeks only doctors are allowed to do it. We speak to Marie Stopes SA about how a surgical abortion works and what you can expect.

Read the full script here.

Editors note: At the time of interviewing, Boitumelo Lewele was a clinical manager at Marie Stopes South Africa.

Mohale Moloi

Mohale Moloi worked at Bhekisisa as a television producer and health journalist from July 2021 to March 2024.

Yolanda Mdzeke

Yolanda Mdzeke is a multimedia reporter at Bhekisisa.

Here’s how an abortion works from week 13

Mohale Moloi

Yolanda Mdzeke

Is there hope for changes to the NHI Act?

[WATCH] A change of heart: Why this patient’s opinion of state hospitals changed after his surgery

Health Beat 23 | What the NHI could be — if run well

Health Beat #22 | Aaron the Outspoken: Do all roads lead to NHI?

[WATCH] This centre is a home to special needs kids — but it ends when they turn 18

Health Beat #21: Eight years later — what does psychiatric care look like after Life Esidimeni?

The power of media: How this drug rehab centre got back its subsidy

Health Beat #20 | Shades of Life Esidimeni: How the Gauteng government makes up its own social welfare funding rules

[LISTEN] Most people with mpox in SA have HIV, but are not on treatment

[WATCH] Kya Sand: Where dumpers set fire to waste every night

#SAElections2024: Which party offers the best healthcare? The answer lies in your vote

Health Beat #19 | Would you live next to this toxic dump?

[VIDEO] When politicians steal, patients suffer

Health Beat #17 | Why corruption isn’t a victimless crime

[VIDEO] Here’s how e-cigarettes turn juice into clouds

[VIDEO] How to start your next HPV test at home

[WATCH] Why some parents are led to think e-cigarettes are healthy (they’re not)

Health Beat #16 | Why the upcoming Tobacco Bill treats e-cigarettes like smokes

[WATCH] Is snoring a sign of a sleep disorder?

Can South Africa stop cervical cancer in the next 40 years?

Health Beat #15 | Sleepless in SA: Why bad sleep can cost you more than a day of feeling tired

How taking ARVs daily stops those with HIV from transmitting the virus

Health Beat #14 | Can we afford to not afford it? Why SA can’t give up on the anti-HIV jab, no matter the cost

Health Beat #13 | Why a hotter Earth could break health budgets