Our mission is to empower women to have children by choice not chance. Much of our work involves making sexual and reproductive healthcare services affordable and accessible to poorer and underserved communities in South Africa.
About Us
Marie Stopes South Africa believes that sexual and reproductive healthcare is a fundamental human right, that everyone, regardless of where they live, should have access to quality sexual and reproductive health information and services.
We aim to ensure the widest possible access by providing a range of quality information and innovative services, by keeping sexual and reproductive health issues high on the national agenda and by working collaboratively with partners in our field.
What is sexual and reproductive health?
Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) is the state of wellbeing in sexuality and reproduction (childbearing). It implies that women and men are empowered to prevent, treat, and minimise the impact of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like HIV/AIDs, and empowered to choose if and when to have children and how many children to have. Importantly, it also implies that women and men are able to exercise these choices without fear of stigma, coercion or violence.
Why MSSA focuses on sexual and reproductive health?
MSSA focuses exclusively on sexual and reproductive health because it believes that it is a fundamental human right that underlies so many other rights of individuals in South Africa. Poor reproductive health practice directly affects a mother’s health, particularly young mothers, and undermines her opportunities and choices in life. Poor reproductive health also underlies poor nutrition, education and health in children. The devastating social, psychological and economic impact of HIV/AIDS on South Africans lives has been well documented and shows little sign of abating.
Counselling
All clients and their partners are fully counselled in an environment that is non-threatening, non-judgemental and caring. Confidentiality is assured at all times. In cases where alternative options are appropriate, the necessary arrangements are made for the client. No person is ever turned away without support from the professional team.
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Established in 1991, Marie Stopes South Africa has become the largest non-profit provider of sexual and reproductive health services in South Africa.
Marie Stopes South Africa is part of the Marie Stopes International (MSI) Global Partnership. MSI works in 43 countries across Asia, Africa, the Arab World, Latin America and Europe through a global partnership of locally registered non-profits.
In 2011, Marie Stopes South Africa served over 180,000 clients. With increased support, we plan to serve 660,000 clients per year by 2015.
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