1. Abortion
Fiction:
The BELA Bill, often misunderstood as an abortion Bill, has generated misconceptions suggesting that it grants teachers authority to mandate abortions or interfere in learners’ pregnancies. There are concerns about parental notification and the possibility of learners being compelled into abortions.
Founded on:
This issue appears to stem from the widespread problem of teenage pregnancies in the country, and there is a provision in the BELA Bill that empowers the Minister of Basic Education to establish regulations regarding learner pregnancy.
What BELA really says:
39. Section 61 of the South African Schools Act, 1996, is hereby amended— (a) by the insertion after paragraph (a) of the following paragraphs:
‘‘(aA) on the management of learner pregnancy;
(aB) on the admission of learners to public schools; …..more
