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The Portfolio Committee on Health expressed deep shock, pain and grave concern following a presentation received from the Her Rights Initiative (HRI) regarding the long-standing and systemic forced and coerced sterilisation of black, impoverished HIV-positive women in South Africa.

The committee received an update from the HRI on the forced sterilisation of HIV positive women.

Committee Chairperson, Ms Faith Muthambi, said: “This report reaches Parliament during the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, a period when the nation reflects on the brutalisation and oppression of women and commits itself to action.”

The timing underscores the urgency and gravity of this matter. “Forced sterilisation is not only a violation of reproductive rights. It constitutes a form of gender-based violence, discrimination and torture,” said Ms Muthambi.

The committee received this report as a cry for help from victims whose rights, bodies, dignity and futures have been violated. Ms Muthambi added: “We wish to assure the nation that this committee will not disappoint the women of South Africa. We will not turn a blind eye. We will not allow silence, bureaucracy or institutional indifference to continue to retraumatise victims.”

The report revealed that for more than two decades, women particularly black and poor are subjected to forced or coerced sterilisation in health facilities, often without informed consent. Many continue to suffer lifelong physical, psychological, cultural and social harm. The majority of these women remain uncompensated and ignored.

The committee is particularly disturbed by:
•      the disproportionate targeting of black, and poor women;
•      the lack of action taken by relevant government departments;
•       the loss or destruction of medical records,
•       the failure to implement recommendations of the Commission for Gender Equality;
•       the absence of rehabilitation and mental health support;
•       the lack of accountability for those responsible;

As the bearers of our nation and central pillars of families and communities, our women deserve justice and protection.

During this 16 Days of Activism period, Parliament cannot and will not accept a situation where victims receive no redress, perpetrators face no consequences and departments fail to report or act.

The committee will be summoning the following institutions to account to Parliament:

•       Department of Health;
•       Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA);
•       Department of Justice and Constitutional Development;
•       Department of Social Development;
•       South African National AIDS Council;
•       Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities;

The committee will demand:

• full reports on actions taken to stop the practice;
• accountability measures against those responsible;
• recovery and preservation of medical records;
• provision of medical, psychological and social support for victims;
• plans for redress and compensation;
• timelines for legislative reform, including amendment of the Sterilisation Act;

The committee will follow through on this matter decisively and will ensure that the voices of these women are heard, and it will monitor implementation until justice is realised.

“We call upon all sectors of society, including civil society organisations, traditional leaders, health professionals, and community structures to stand with these victims and support the fight for dignity and justice during this 16 Days of Activism period and beyond.

The committee declares that never again should women in South Africa be subjected to such violations.

Ms Muthambi said: “As Parliament, we refuse to allow the bodies of black, and poor women to be sites of violence, discrimination and humiliation. These women are the bearers of our nation, and we will not abandon them. During this 16 Days of Activism period and beyond, this committee will pursue the truth, demand accountability, and ensure justice. Those responsible must answer, and the victims must be restored. We are saying clearly that never again, not under our watch.”

Issued by the Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of the chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Health, Faith Muthambi