/ 27 July 2008

Council warns of bogus abortionists

Women should be on the lookout for bogus doctors advertising that they are experts in abortion, the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) said on Sunday.

There’s been numerous advertisements by people claiming to be doctors and ”experts” in pregnancy termination, the council said in a statement.

”The fact that names are only written as Dr Cure, Dr John, Dr Liezl, etc, is clear indication these people are not registered with the HPCSA or any organisation as the full details are not given.”

”Only qualified medical practitioners are allowed to carry out abortions.”

The HPCSA said it had no jurisdiction over ”bogus practitioners” and anyone ”masquerading” as medical practitioner must be reported to the police.

HPCSA registrar, Boyce Mkhizem, said they were concerned about the ”mushrooming” of the illegal practitioners.

”They not only put the lives of people at risk due to unscientific methods they employ, but also due to the fact that they cannot be held accountable by the HPCSA in case of negligence and complications
arising from their interventions,” said Mkhize. – Sapa