“Birth Control Shortages Spark Fears of Unplanned Pregnancies Summary: Clinics in Gauteng and North West report shortages of contraceptives, leaving women vulnerable to unplanned pregnancies.”
Persistent shortages of injectables and implants have left many women without reliable contraception. The crisis highlights systemic supply chain failures in public healthcare. Women report traveling long distances only to find clinics out of stock, exacerbating inequality. Advocacy groups warn of rising unplanned pregnancies and associated socioeconomic impacts. Policymakers face urgent calls to stabilize procurement and distribution systems. The shortages underscore the fragility of South Africa’s reproductive health services, where policy commitments often falter in practice.
