Never Again: Parliament stands against forced sterilisation of HIV+ poor women

THE Portfolio Committee on Health this week issued a scathing condemnation of the systemic, decades-long practice of forced and coerced sterilisation of impoverished, HIV-positive Black women in South Africa, calling it a grave violation of human rights and a form of gender-based violence.

The committee’s strong response follows a harrowing presentation by the Her Rights Initiative (HRI), which detailed how more than two decades of abuse had left countless women physically, psychologically, culturally, and socially scarred — often without their informed consent and with no avenue for redress or compensation.

Committee Chairperson 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.”

Describing the HRI report as “a cry for help from victims whose rights, bodies, dignity and futures have been violated”, Muthambi vowed unwavering action: “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.”

In a statement issued by the Parliamentary Communication Services, the committee expressed particular alarm over six critical failures:

• The disproportionate targeting of Black and poor women;
• The lack of action by relevant government departments;
• The loss or destruction of medical records;
• The failure to implement recommendations from the Commission for Gender Equality;
• The absence of rehabilitation and mental health support for survivors;
• The persistent lack of accountability for perpetrators.

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

In an unprecedented move, the committee announced it would summon the following institutions to appear before Parliament to account for their roles and responsibilities:

• 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 concrete deliverables, including:

• Full reports on actions taken to halt the practice;
• Accountability measures against those responsible;
• Recovery and preservation of destroyed or missing medical records;
• Immediate provision of medical, psychological, and social support for victims;
• Comprehensive plans for redress and compensation;
• Clear timelines for legislative reform, including amendments to the Sterilisation Act.

“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 urged.

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.”

The committee has pledged sustained oversight until justice is fully realised for survivors of this systemic abuse.

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