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Call for end to forced sterilisation as Namibians protest

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Summary of story from All Africa, September 6, 2011

The World Medical Association (WMA) and the International Federation of Health and Human Rights Organisations (IFHHRO) have condemned the practice of forced and coerced sterilisation.

The two groups claim the practices are forms of violence that severely harm women’s physical and mental health and infringe basic human rights.

The issue has come to light in southern Africa recently after a group of HIV positive women in Namibia took their government to court, claiming they had been forcibly sterilised.

WMA and IFHHRO argue that sterilisation as a form of birth control should be available, accessible and affordable for every individual, as part of a range of contraceptive methods – but that it has to be based on informed and voluntary consent.

Dr Wonchat Subhachaturas, President of the WMA, said: “Regrettably, cases of coerced sterilisation continue to be reported in countries across the globe.”

“People are being forcibly sterilised, either without knowing the procedure has been performed or without being given the opportunity to consent.”

“This is a misuse of medical expertise, a breach of medical ethics and a clear violation of human rights. We call on all physicians and health workers to urge their governments to prohibit this unacceptable practice.”

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