EASTERN CAPE PROVINCIAL LEGISLATURE

1. Terms of reference

The Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Amendment Bill [B72B-2003] has been referred to the Portfolio Committee on Health by the NCOP Business Committee consideration.

2. Briefing

The Committee was briefed on die contents and effects of the Bill by Hon. MO Robertsen, NCOP Permanent Delegate, on 15 October 2004 and also received input: from the Provincial Department of Health. In short, he indicated that the Bill seeks to broaden access to termination of pregnancy facilities by among others allowing trainee registered nurses to perform termination of pregnancy, empowering provincial MECs to designate termination of pregnancy facilities and to allow facilities rendering 24 hour; maternity services to perform termination of pregnancy without first obtaining approval from the government.

3 Consultation

Due to die nature of the Bill as well as the fact that there: was extensive consultation process when the principal Act was passed, the Committee felt that there was no need to conduct Public Hearings.

4. Concerns

The Committee does not have any concerns on the Bill.

5. Resolution

The Committee having considered the proposed amendment Bill resolved that the following negotiating mandate be conferred:

(1) To support the Bill as proposed.

(2) To recommend that the Permanent Delegate attend the meeting on Negotiating Mandates on behalf of the Eastern Cape Province.

M Mpahlwa

Chairperson: Portfolio Committee on Health

Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature

BHISHO