Clinics in Gauteng and North West report shortages of injectables and implants. Women fear rising unplanned pregnancies amid supply chain disruptions.
South Africa’s reproductive health system faces strain as contraceptive shortages hit Gauteng and North West provinces. Women report being turned away from clinics due to lack of injectables and implants. Health experts warn that unplanned pregnancies could rise, reversing gains in family planning. Supply chain disruptions, including procurement delays and distribution inefficiencies, are blamed. Activists argue that reproductive health is a constitutional right, and shortages reflect systemic neglect. Some women resort to costly private providers, deepening inequality. Doctors emphasize that contraceptive access is critical not only for family planning but also for managing conditions like endometriosis. The Department of Health pledges to stabilize supplies, but critics demand transparency. This crisis highlights the fragility of South Africa’s healthcare logistics and its impact on women’s autonomy.
