Examining religio-cultural beliefs among women towards induced abortions in Noodsberg and Esidumbini communities of faith: a case study.

Abstract

My gratitude goes out to everyone who gave their time, thoughts and perspectives.My colleagues, writing mentors and my supervisor, whose perspective contributed a lot throughout this process. To my family and friends, for their continued support and encouragement. To Nosipho Khoza my wife, for always believing the best of me. I would like to acknowledge Noodsberg and Esidumbini Communities of faith for graciously allowing to conduct my research in their communities. Thank you for taking time to sit with me through interviews and for participating fully in conversations. For your openness to the issue of abortion and for your willingness to share your own beliefs to transform the experiences of other women facing the issue of abortion or past abortion. I would also like to acknowledge my supervisor Professors L. Siwila for her support, patience and guidance throughout this journey. Professor Van der Walt also deserves my gratitude. Thank you to Sarie Viljoen for editing and proofreading my work. Your support, patience and professionalism says more than words can express. I would also like to express my gratitude for the funding from the Church of Sweden through the Gender, Religion and Health programme within the Gender and Religion Department in the School of Religion, Philosophy and Classics; I am truly grateful. iv DEDICATION This work is dedicated to those who are marginalised and stigmatised within their families and communities on the basis of past abortion and who are forced to keep silent due to antiabortionist cultural norms. It is my hope that a world where we do not judge and stigmatise people without understanding all the factors at play leading to abortion decisions becomes a reality.