Forced or coerced sterilisation: Know your rights about consent

Home / Explainer / Forced or coerced sterilisation: Know your rights about consent

A recent Health-e News report on allegations by a young Limpopo mother, who says doctors removed her uterus without her knowledge or consent, raises questions about patients’ rights before undergoing sterilisation procedures. Here’s what South African law says about consent and sterilisation.

What is sterilisation and who can perform it?

Sterilise Slide 1
The Women’s Legal Cnetre

Is sterilisation permanent?

Sterilise Slide 2
The Women’s Legal Centre

What is informed consent and when is it valid?

Sterilise Slide 3 2
The Women’s Legal Centre

What is forced and coerced sterilisation?

Sterilise Slide 4
Sterilisation Act

Do you believe your rights have been violated?

Sterilise Slide 5
Women’s Legal Centre | CALS | Section27

Read Next: A young Limpopo mother says doctors removed her uterus without her knowledge or consent.

Young Limpopo mother: ‘womb removed without My knowledge or consent’

Screenshot 2026 07 19 at 08.32.07

Training for healthcare workers on informed consent

In 2023, the Commission for Gender Equality called the National Department of Health to account for delays in implementing recommendations from its investigation into the forced sterilisation of HIV-positive black women.

In early 2026, the Centre for Applied Legal Studies (CALS) at Wits University and 11 partner organisations again called for action, including mandatory training for maternity staff on informed consent, contraception and sterilisation.

Author

  • Health-e News

    Health-e News is South Africa's dedicated health news service and home to OurHealth citizen journalism. Follow us on Twitter @HealtheNews

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