The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Health on Thursday demanded accountability measures against those responsible for the “long-standing and systemic” forced and coerced sterilisation of black, impoverished HIV-positive women in South Africa.

The committee expressed concerns, saying forced sterilisation is not only a violation of reproductive rights, but it also constitutes a form of gender-based violence (GBV), discrimination and torture.

The committee received a presentation from feminist social impact organisation Her Rights Initiative (HRI), in which it revealed that for more than two decades, black and poor women are subjected to forced or coerced sterilisation in health facilities, often without informed consent, with many suffering lifelong physical, psychological, cultural and social harm. The majority of these women remain uncompensated and ignored, HRI said.

Committee chairperson Faith Muthambi said the committee was demanding full reports on actions taken to stop the practice; recovery and preservation of medical records and timelines for legislative reform, including amendment of the Sterilisation Act.

The committee will summon the departments of Health; Justice and Constitutional Development; Social Development and Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities; and the Health Professions Council of South Africa to appear before it.

Muthambi said the committee would also demand the provision of medical, psychological and social support for victims and plans for redress and compensation.

“The timing underscores the urgency and gravity of this matter. We will not turn a blind eye. We will not allow silence, bureaucracy or institutional indifference to continue to retraumatise victims,” she stated.

The committee was particularly disturbed by disproportionate targeting of black, and poor women and the lack of action taken by relevant government departments, she expressed.

Concerns about the loss or destruction of medical records, the failure to implement recommendations of the Commission for Gender Equality and the absence of rehabilitation and mental health support were also noted by the committee, which said it was disturbed by the lack of accountability for those responsible.

This comes as South Africa kicks off 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children.

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

“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,” stated Muthambi.