Health authorities plan to force contraception onto medical students

30 July 2014 - 15:16 By Times LIVE
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An IUD, or intrauterine device, is a small, T-shaped device that is placed into the uterus by a trained healthcare provider during a routine office visit. File photo
An IUD, or intrauterine device, is a small, T-shaped device that is placed into the uterus by a trained healthcare provider during a routine office visit. File photo
Image: Gallo Images/Thinkstock

The Department of Health intends to forcefully implant contraceptives into 12 female medical students destined for pharmaceutical and ultra-sonography studies at India’s Manipal University.

This is according to Dr Imran Keeka, DA KZN Spokesperson on Health.

Health MEC Sibongiseni Dhlomo made the announcement at a recent farewell dinner for the students where he demonstrated where the contraceptive would be implanted; saying it would prevent pregnancies for a period of three years, the DA politician said in a statement today.

“It seems that the female students’ scholarships were contingent on them accepting the implants,” Keeka said.

“This cannot go unchallenged.”

According to South Africa’s Bill of Rights, Keeka said, every person is afforded the right to make their own choices in decisions concerning reproduction and has complete control over what happens to their bodies.

“The State cannot force people to accept an invasive medical procedure like this.”

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