GAUTENG PROVINCIAL LEGISLATURE

FINAL VOTING MANDATE QN THE CHOICE ON TERMINATION OF PREGNANCY AMENDMENT BILL [B72B -2003] (SECTION 76)

1. The Chalrper5on Dr R A M Salojee, tabled the Committee's report on the Final Voting Mandate on the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Amendment Bill [B72-2003], as follows:

1.1 INTRODUCTION
The Speaker, formally referred the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Amendment Bill [B72B - 2003]. a Section 76 Bill to the Health Portfolio Committee for consideration and report in terms of Rule 6.49 (1) {c) on 24 August 2004.

1.2 PROCESS FOLLOWED
On Tuesday, 12 October 2004, the Health Portfolio Committee was briefed by the NCOP permanent delegate, Ms Maggie Madlala - Magubane. The Committee had an opportunity to make deliberations the Bill.

On Friday 22 October 2004, the Health Portfolio Committee was briefed by, the Gauteng Department Heaith, MEC, Dr Gwen Ramokgopa on the content of the Bill.

1.3 INTERACTION WITH STAKEHOLDERS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC
The Portfolio Committee on Health could not consult with the stakeholdors due to time constraints.

1.4 OBJECTIVES OF THE BILL
The Bill is aimed at addressing the following, to;

- Amend the Choice of Termination of Pregnancy Act 996 so as to amend a definition and to insert others,
- Empower a Member of the Executive Council to approve facilities where a termination of pregnancy may take place;
- Exempt a facility offering a 24 - hour maternity service from having to obtain approval for termination of pregnancy service under certain circumstances;
- Provide for the recording of information and the submission of statistIcs;
- Enable a Member of the Executive Council to make regulations and to
- Provide for matters connected therewith.

1.5 VIEWS OF THE GAUIENG DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
The views of the Gauteng Department of Health MEC, Dr Gwen Ramokgopa were received and presented to the Committee and indicated its support on the Bill, as per Rule 6.51(1) (a) and (ii) (b).

1.6 PINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF THE BILL FOR THE PROVINCE
The Bill does not have major lmplications for the Province.

1.7 PRINCIPLE OF THE BILL
The Health Portfolio Committee and the Gauteng Department of Health supports the principle and the detail of the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Amendment Bill [B72B - 2003].

1.8 FINAL VOTING MANDATE
In terms of section 65 of the Constitution, the Health: Portfolio Committee recommends that the House confer authority on the Gauteng Provincial delegate to the NCOP to vote in favour of the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Amendment Bill [B72B - 2003].