Apology for birth control injections

A PUBLIC apology has been issued to the community of Phaposane‚ parents and pupils at Pitso-Letlhogile Secondary School by the North West Department of Health.

The department said it had reflected on the incident of birth control injection of pupils for prevention of pregnancy.

“The incident‚ though it was carried out with good intentions, did not sit well with parents and the affected learners,” the department said.

“The department admits that there should have been thorough consultation on the matter.

“The manner in which the activity was carried out is regrettable since it left learners feeling that their rights were infringed.”

The department admitted that both parents and pupils’ consent should have been thoroughly sought‚ agreed to and consent forms signed.

“The department therefore apologises to all the parties involved including the community and particularly the parents and learners,” it said.

In February‚ the SA Human Rights Commission said it would investigate allegations that Grade 12 pupils had been injected with contraceptives without their consent.

News reports stated that nurses had administered pregnancy tests.

Those found to be pregnant or already using contraceptives were not injected. – TimesLIVE