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SOUTH AFRICA: PUBLIC NOTICE FOR APPLICATION FOR RELEASE OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED MAIZE, COMMENTS INVITED FROM THE PUBLIC; ALLEGED NEWS
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SOUTH AFRICA: CORTEVA AGRISCIENCE RSA (PTY) LTD, HAS ISSUED A PUBLIC NOTICE TO INFORM THE PUBLIC ABOUT ITS INTENTION TO SUBMIT APPLICATION FOR THE GENERAL RELEASE OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED MAIZE EVENT INTO THE ENVIRONMENT OF SOUTH AFRICA; ALLEGED NEWS. [1] THE APPLICATION IS FOR TC1507 x MIR162 x NK603; ALLEGED NEWS. [1] As per the notice, all interested parties should submit comments or objections, in connection with the intended release, in writing, to: the Registrar: Genetically Modified Organisms Act, Private Bag X973 Pretoria 0001, Fax No: 012 319 6298,
E-mail: GMOAppComments@dalrrd.gov.za [1]
Application
The application for the general release of genetically modified maize states that TC1507 x MIR162 x NK603 maize has been produced by conventional breeding methods between the progeny of three genetically modified maize events; namely, TC1507, MIR162 and NK603 maize; Alleged News. [1]
As a result of the three single maize event modifications, the transformation in the TC1507 x MIR162 x NK603 maize resulted in the introduction of various genes, namely: cry1F, pat, vip3Aa20, pmi and cp4 epsps; Alleged News. [1]
Expression of the Cry1F and Vip3Aa20 proteins confer protection against certain lepidopteran maize pests; Alleged News. [1]
Expression of the PAT and CP4 EPSPS proteins confer tolerance to glufosinate-ammonium and glyphosate herbicides, respectively (glufosinate-ammonium tolerance was introduced as a selectable marker): Alleged News. [1]
TC1507 x MIR162 x NK603 maize varieties are intended for cultivation in the maize growing regions in South Africa; Alleged News. [1]
Concerns re possible long term effects
A study by Séralini et al., researched the long-term toxicity of a Roundup herbicide and a Roundup-tolerant genetically modified maize; Alleged News. [2] Roundup is the brand name of herbicide originally produced by Monsanto, which Bayer acquired in 2018; Alleged News. [3] Monsanto patented the herbicidal use of glyphosate and derivatives in 1971; Alleged News. [3]
The genetically modified maize intended for cultivation in South Africa, would appear to be tolerant - through expression of the PAT and CP4 EPSPS - to glufosinate-ammonium and glyphosate herbicides, respectively (glufosinate-ammonium was introduced as a selectable marker); Alleged News. [1] Roundup-tolerant genetically modified maize thus would appear to be glufosinate-ammonium and glyphosate herbicide tolerant.
NK603 genetically modified maize health effects: study
The study by Séralini et al. researched the health effects of a Roundup-tolerant NK603 genetically modified (GM) maize (from 11% in the diet), cultivated with or without Roundup application and Roundup alone (from 0.1 ppb of the full pesticide containing glyphosate and adjuvants) in drinking water, were evaluated for 2 years in rats: Alleged News. [2] There were major findings with 34 organs observed and 56 parameters analysed at 11 time points for most organs: Alleged News. [2]
Kidney deficiencies, nephropathies, tumors, liver congestion, necrosis, early death
Biochemical analysis confirmed very significant kidney deficiencies, for all treatments and for both sexes; 76% of the altered parameters were kidney-related. In treated males, liver congestion and necrosis were 2.5 to 5.5 times higher. Marked and severe nephropathies were also generally 1.3 to 2.3 times greater.
In females, all treatment groups showed a two- to threefold increase in mortality, and deaths were earlier. This difference was also evident in three male groups fed with GM (genetically modified) maize. All results were hormone- and sex-dependent, and the pathological profiles were comparable.
Females developed large mammary tumors more frequently and before controls; the pituitary was the second most disabled organ; the sex hormonal balance was modified by consumption of GM maize and Roundup treatments.
Males presented up to four times more large palpable tumors starting 600 days earlier than in the control group, in which only one tumor was noted. These results may be explained by not only the non-linear endocrine-disrupting effects of Roundup but also by the overexpression of the EPSPS transgene or other mutational effects in the GM maize and their metabolic consequences; Alleged News. [2]
Thus the results of the study reportedly showed that groups fed with Roundup-tolerant NK603 genetically modified maize developed issues such as kidney deficiencies, kidney disease (nephropathies), liver congestion and necrosis (death of body cells or tissue due to irreversible damage), increase in early death, breast tumours (mammary); Alleged News. [2]
Glufosinate-ammonium (GLA)
Glufosinate-ammonium (GLA), the active compound of a herbicide, acts by inhibiting the plant glutamine synthetase (GS) leading to a lethal accumulation of ammonia; Alleged News. [4] GS plays a pivotal role in the mammalian brain where it allows neurotransmitter glutamate recycling within astroglia; Alleged News. [4] The study by Calas et al., showed cerebral (brain) alterations after chronic exposure to GLA (glufosinate-ammonium); Alleged News. [4]
Major findings
The major findings of the study by Calas et al. is that GLA (glufosinate-ammonium), an irreversible inhibitor of GS in plants used as an herbicide, induced metabolic and texture modifications in the hippocampus (large part of the brain) as well as mild learning impairments; Alleged News. [4]
Where do the genes come from with which the maize has been genetically modified?
The donor of the pat gene appears to be a soil bacteria
The donor of the pat gene conferring tolerance to ammonium glufosinate, Streptomyces viridochromogenes strain Tu 494, is a gram-positive spore-forming soil bacterium; Alleged News. [5] So pat would appear to be a bacteria from the soil, which can form spores.
The donor of the pmi gene may be linked to Escherichia coli
The donor of the pmi gene would possibly appear to be linked to Escherichia coli, A selectable marker system for plant transformation that does not require the use of antibiotics or herbicides was developed. The selectable marker consists of the manA gene from Escherichia coli under the control of a plant promoter that encodes for phosphomannose isomerase, pmi; Alleged News. [6]
What is Escherichia coli?
Escherichia coli is a bacterium that normally lives in the intestines of people and animals. Certain types can cause a severe infection. It can lead to severe, potentially life-threatening complications; Alleged News. [7]
Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a gram-negative bacillus that is a causative organism of many diarrheal illnesses, including traveller's diarrhoea and dysentery. E.coli is the most common pathogen leading to uncomplicated cystitis, and also results in other extra-intestinal illnesses, including pneumonia, bacteremia, and abdominal infections such as spontaneous bacterial peritonitis: Alleged News. [8]
Cry1F and Vip3Aa20. Cry1F appears to be able to kill inter alia , butterflies, moths and skippers
The Cry1F and Vip3Aa20 proteins confer protection against certain lepidopteran maize insects; Alleged News. [1] Cry1F appears to be derived from Bacillus thuringiensis; Alleged News. [9] Bacillus thuringiensis is a soil-dwelling bacterium that naturally produces a toxin that is fatal to certain herbivorous insects: Alleged News. [10] The toxin is lethal to several orders of insects, including Lepidoptera (butterflies, moths and skippers), Diptera (flies) and Coleoptera (beetles); Alleged News. [10] Thus the genetically modified maize possibly has the power to kill butterflies, moths, skippers, flies and beetles; Alleged News.
Genetically modified maize
The genetically modified maize would thus appear to the man on the street to be maize which has had bacteria from the soil - and from Escherichia coli, which is found in intestines and faeces - introduced into the plant itself. So when maize from the genetically modified plant is eaten, the purchaser possibly will also be ingesting substances which have ability of spore formation (the biological process whereby organisms create reproductive structures called spores), and possibly have history of bacteria from soil, intestines and faeces.
Concern re glyphosate as possible carcinogen
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients started suing Monsanto by the hundreds after a 2015 World Health Organization report suggest glyphosate, the key ingredient in Roundup, might cause cancer; Alleged News. [11] The report, by WHO's International Agency for Research on Cancer, said glyphosate is "probably carcinogenic to humans": Alleged News. [11]
People filed Roundup lawsuits because they claimed Monsanto's herbicide caused their non-Hodgkin lymphoma or related cancers; Alleged News. [12] Monsanto was the original manufacturer of Roundup, but Bayer acquired Monsanto in 2018: Alleged News. [12]
Bayer and its subsidiary Monsanto are the primary defendants in thousands of lawsuits consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL) in California, claiming that the weed-killer Roundup caused cancer; Alleged News. [12]
Bayer stopped selling residential formulas with glyphosate, the former active ingredient, in 2023; Alleged News. [12] Commercial formulas with glyphosate remain available; Alleged News. [12] People who filed lawsuits say Bayer and Monsanto didn't warm the public about the cancer risks; Alleged News. [12] Injuries in Roundup lawsuits primarily involve non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a cancer affecting white blood cells; Alleged News. [12] However, lawsuits also mention several other related cancers; Alleged News. [12]
Cancers claimed in Roundup lawsuits
Cancers claimed in Roundup lawsuits;
- anaplastic large cell lymphoma
- B-lymphoblastic lymphoma
- Burkitt lymphoma
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
- Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
- Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
- Extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma, mucosa-related lymphoid tissue
- Follicular lymphoma and hairy cell leukemia
- Large granular lymphocytic leukemia
- Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia)
- Mantle cell lymphoma
- Marginal zone B-cell lymphoma
- Mycosis fungoides
- Nodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma
- Peripheral T-cell lymphomas
- Primary central nervous system lymphoma
- Sézary syndrome
- Small lymphocytic lymphoma
- Splenic marginal zone B-cell lymphoma
Glyphosate is classified as possible carcinogen (cancer causing substance or agent)
The International Agency for Research on Cancer classified the active ingredient that most Roundup formulas used to have, glyphosate, as a "possible carcinogen" in humans; Alleged News. [12]
Although Bayer offered up to $10.9 billion to settle thousands of Roundup personal injury claims in 2020, thousands of cases are still pending; Alleged News. [12]
So far, Roundup lawsuits against Bayer and Monsanto continue to be filed, and lawyers are still representing clients; Alleged News. [bb] Some lawsuits have already been resolved as part of the 2020 $10.9 billion Roundup settlement or in trial; Alleged News. [12]
As of February 2025, there are 4,414 open Roundup lawsuit cases in federal MDL in California; Alleged News. [12]
South Africa: Supreme Court of Appeal and Monsanto
On 14 July 2014, the fifth respondent Monsanto South Africa (Pty) Ltd, (Monsanto), applied to the Executive Council for a permit for the general release of a genetically modified variety of maize, described as MON87460: Alleged News. [13]
On 7 August 2015, the appellant, the African Centre for Biodiversity NPC (ACB), a non-governmental advocacy organisation, with a focus on biosafety and agricultural biodiversity, appealed in terms of s 19 of the Act against the approval granted by the Executive Council to Monsanto for the general release of MON87460; Alleged News. [13] Monsanto submitted a response to ACB's appeal on 13 July 2016; Alleged News. [13] The Appeal Board, by a majority, dismissed the appeal on 1 September 2016, and the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (the Minister) confirmed the Appeal Board's decision on 2 December 2016; Alleged News. [13]
Commercial approval for genetically modified maize with NTPII protein derived from Escherichia coli was set aside by Supreme Court of Appeal in South Africa
As reported on 28 October 2024, after a nine-year legal battle, a full bench of the supreme court of appeal (SCA) set aside the commercial approval of a drought-tolerant genetically modified (GM) variety of maize: Alleged News. [14] The maize which was set aside contained MON87460 which also expresses the neomycin phosphotransferase II (NPTII) protein derived from Escherichia coli, the bacterium present in intestines and faeces); Alleged News. [14]
Previous objections against general release of three 2,4-D GM maize varieties were documented by the African Centre for Biodiversity
In April 2019, African Centre for Biodiversity documented objection against general release of three 2,4D GM (genetically modified) maize varieties; Alleged News. [15]
Summaries of key concerns inter alia were:
- The three GM varieties were shown in field trials conducted in South Africa to worsen yields when compared with non-GM counterparts; Alleged News [15]
- GM varieties are all tolerant to the toxic chemical, 2,4-D. Their approval would represent the first GM maize in South Africa to tolerant to 2,4-D. Two of the three varieties are also stacked with glyphosate-tolerance traits. Commercial release of these seeds were expected to dramatically increase pesticide application and thus human and environmental exposure; Alleged News [15]
- Increased pesticide exposure would serve to increase pesticide drift and crop damage, as well as weed resistance, providing at best, a short-term solution for weed management, while increasing damage and thus crop loss in neighbouring fields; Alleged News [15]
- Pesticide exposure will increase human exposure to 2,4-D, glyphosate and glufosinate, all of which are widely associated with serious adverse health effects, including cancers and birth defects; Alleged News. [15] While other countries are removing them from their shelves, they are now being introduced to South Africa; Alleged News. [15]
Opposition to Corteva's GM maize seed
There thus was opposition to Corteva's 2,4D GM maize seed as reported on 18 April 2019; Alleged News. [16] ACB called on Minister Mokonyane to order full EIAs; Alleged News. [16] ( This possibly refers to full Environmental Impact Assessments).
Word on the street
The word on the street is that there is concern that a genetically modified maize which specifically is resistant to glyphosate and glufosinate-ammonium may require to be sprayed with the herbicides, which appear to have issues of concern, namely possible cancer-causing (carginogenic).
Further, South Africans who are lovers of butterflies, bees and insects, and rely on their pollination abilities for crops, are concerned regarding the impact Cry1F and Vip3Aa20 proteins would have on this population. Pollinators include bees, butterflies, beetles, moths, hummingbirds and bats. Genetically modified maize which may affect some of South African pollinators possibly could have negative impact on crops.
South Africans are not keen to eat food which may have faeces/intestinal derived substances in them (from Escherichia coli).
The greatest worry is that human health may be affected. In South Africa, where every breadwinner makes the difference between a family at home, or dependants and children orphaned or homeless, everyone is keen to maintain optimal health.
There has been prior opposition in South Africa to Corteva's previous GM maize seed proposals, by African Centre for Biodiversity; Alleged News. [16] There are many in South Africa who join their voice to urge for South Africans to continue sowing crops with maize seeds as God made them, which have no carcinogenic concerns.
Why not write to Corteva?
Why not write to Corteva, as the organization requested in the public notice? The details are at the top of the blog post.
[1] Public Notice: Application for the General Release of genetically modified maize: Alleged News. Published in Sowetan, Friday, 31 January 2025, Page 13
[2] National Library of Medicine. Environ Sci Eur. 2014Jun 24;26(1): 14. doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12302-014-0014-5
Séralini et al. Republished study: long-term toxicity of a Roundup herbicide and a Roundup-tolerant genetically modified maize; Alleged News
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5044955/
[3] Wikipedia. Roundup (herbicide); Alleged News
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roundup_(herbicide)
[4] Calas et al. Chronic exposure to glufosinate-ammonium induces spatial memory impairments, hippocampal MRI modifications and glutamine synthetase activation in mice; Alleged News
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18562008/
[5] V.A. Tutelyan, Editor. Genetically Modified Food Sources. Human and animal health safety assessment of genetically modified plants; Alleged News. 2013
[6] National Library of Medicine. Wright et.al. Efficient biolistic transformation of maize (Zea mays L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) using the phosphomannose isomerase gene, pmi, as the selectable marker; Alleged News
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24549451/
[7] Healthline. Anne Pietrangelo. Medically reviewed by Jill Seladi-Schulman, PhD. 2021. Everything you need to know about E.Coli infection; Alleged News
https://www.healthline.com/health/e-coli-infection
[8] StatPearls. Mueller & Tainter. 2023. Escherichia coli infection: Alleged News
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK564298/
[9] EFSA Journal. Assessment of genetically modified maize 4114 for food and feed uses, under Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 (application EFSA-GMO-NL-2014-123); Alleged News
https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/5280
[10] Bacillus thuringiensis; Alleged News
https://www.britannica.com/science/Bacillus-thuringiensis
[11] Bayer ordered to pay $2.25 billion after jury concludes Roundup weed killer caused a man's cancer, attorneys says: Alleged News
https://edition.cnn.com/2024/01/29/us/roundup-cancer-verdict-philadelphia-bayer-monsanto/index.html
[12] Roundup lawsuit; Alleged News
https://www.drugwatch.com/legal/roundup-lawsuit/
[13] SAFLII. (Southern African Legal Information Institute). African Centre for Biodiversity NPC v Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and Others (934/2023) [2024] ZASCA 143 (22 October 2024); Alleged News
https://www.saflii.org/za/cases/ZASCA/2024/143.html
[14] Sheree Bega. Mail & Guardian. 28 October 2024. SCA rules against Monsanto on genetically modified maize; Alleged News
https://mg.co.za/news/2024-10-28-sca-rules-against-monsanto-on-genetically-modified-maize/
[15] African Centre for Biodiversity. April 2019, Objections against general release of three 2,4-D GM maize varieties; Alleged News
[16] Fierce opposition to Corteva's 2,4-D GM maize seed: ACB calls on Minister Mokonyane to order full EIAs; Alleged News
With thanks to Sowetan, National Library of Medicine, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih,gov, Wikipedia.org, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, sciencedirect.com, healthline.com, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.books, efsa.europa.eu, britannica.com, edition.cnn.com, drugwatch.com, saflii.org, mg.co.za, acbio.org.za and modernghana.com
Image courtesy of Freepik AI generated content by CN Whittle
Friday, February 14, 2025
SOUTH AFRICA: HUNTING GAME IS BIG BUSINESS; ALLEGED NEWS
SOUTH AFRICA: HUNTING HAS EMERGED AS A SIGNIFICANT REVENUE DRIVER: ALLEGED NEWS. [1] Trophy hunting has become a stable income source for some lodges; Alleged News. [1] Domestic hunters contributed approximately $700 million (about R13 million as at 12 April 2024 rate) to hunting of animals in 2018, while foreign hunters added approximately $123 million to the offers; Alleged News. [1] This was stated in a report by the department of forestry, fisheries and the environment, said wildlife economy director Lactitia Tshitwamulomani; Alleged News. [1]
South Africa produces 59 000 tons of game meat annually and exports just over 3 000 tons of the 3 900 exported by the African continent; Alleged News. [1]
[1] The Citizen. Reitumetse Makwea. 13 April 2024. Hunting game is big business; Alleged News
https://www.pressreader.com/south-africa/the-citizen-kzn/20240413/281749864391075
With thanks to The Citizen
Image courtesy of Freepik AI generated content with CN Whittle
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
SOUTH AFRICA: PHARMACISTS TOLD THEY MAY NOT REFUSE TO DISPENSE ABORTIFACIENTS DESPITE RELIGIOUS BELIEFS; ALLEGED NEWS
Freepik
SOUTH AFRICA: THE SA PHARMACY COUNCIL (SAPC) HAS ISSUED A NOTICE THAT PHARMACISTS MAY NOT - BASED ON PERSONAL BELIEFS, MORAL REASONS OR RELIGIOUS GROUNDS - REFUSE TO DISPENSE DRUGS TO PATIENTS WISHING TO TERMINATE THEIR PREGNANCY; ALLEGED NEWS. [1] Thirteen NGO's and legal centres reportedly penned an open letter to the Council and National Department of Health regarding reports of pharmacists declining to dispense abortifacients; Alleged News. [1] The South African Pharmacy Council is a statutory body mandated in terms of the Pharmacy Act to regulate the profession in the country; Alleged News. [1]
Abortion in South Africa
Between 2014 and 2016, public health facilities reported a total of 538 230 abortions, according to the Department of Health's District Health Information System (DHIS); Alleged News. [2] From 2017 onwards, the number of abortions recorded for women pregnant between 0 and 20 weeks approached one million, reaching a cumulative total of 929 538 by 2024: Alleged News. [2]
Legal framework governing abortion services
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi addressed the legal framework governing abortion services, emphasizing that healthcare professionals have certain rights and obligations under the CTOP Act; Alleged News. [2]
Not obligated to perform abortions
Medical practitioners and nurses are not obligated to perform terminations of pregnancy (abortions) in South Africa. [2] According to Health Minister Motsoaledi, as reported on 13 December 2024, 346 public health facilities nationwide comply with the CTOP Act, ensuring they can legally provide termination of pregnancy services; Alleged News. [2]
In South Africa, Kwazulu-Natal has 63 facilities which carry out abortions, the Western Cape has 57 facilities, Limpopo has 51 facilities, Gauteng has 49 facilities, the Eastern Cape has 37 facilities, Mpumalanga has 35 facilities, North West has 33 facilities, the Free State has 14 facilities, Northern Cape has 7 facilities; Alleged News. [2] These are the legal facilities which carry out abortions.
Abortion support South Africa
Ms Victoria Satchwell leads Abortion support South Africa, a tele-abortion service launched in February 2023; Alleged News. [3] The organisation provides online consultation for women seeking an abortion and connects them to a healthcare professional registered with the Health Professionals Council of South Africa (HPCSA); Alleged News. [3]
The healthcare professional assesses the woman's situation and based on eligibility, prescribes abortion pills that have to be collected from a pharmacy, with a script; Alleged News. [3]
Abortion support South Africa difficulty in accessing misoprostal
Abortion support South Africa reportedly ran into difficulties to access home-use misoprostol treatment from pharmacies; Alleged News. [3]
This is probably due to the fact that in South Africa, the 14 health facilities in the Free State which carry out abortions according to the Choice on Termination Pregnancy Act (updated to 18 February 2008), stock requirements as per the Act in order to carry out abortions. In South Africa, clients who wish for termination of pregnancy are referred to a facility approved under the provisions of the Act. Pharmacies are not an approved facility for termination of pregnancy, according to the Choice on Termination Pregnancy Act (updated to 18 February 2008).
South Africa: Abortion may take place only at compliant facility
Pharmacies in South Africa are aware that the law in South Africa is that termination of a pregnancy may take place only at a facility which complies with the following: The Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act (updated to 18 February 2008) directs that termination of a pregnancy may take place only at a facility which a) gives access to medical and nursing staff; b) gives access to an operating theatre; c) has appropriate surgical equipment; d) supplies drugs for intravenous and intramuscular injection; e) has emergency resuscitation equipment and access to an emergency referral centre or facility; f) gives access to appropriate transport should the need arise for emergency transfer; g) has facilities and equipment for clinical observation and access to in-patient facilities; h) has appropriate infection control measures; i) gives access to safe waste disposal infrastructure; j) has telephonic means of communication; and k) has been approved by the Member of the Executive Council by notice in the Gazette. [4]
Pharmacies thus are not the required venue for an abortion to be carried out, as per the law in South Africa according to the provisions of the Choice on Termination Pregnancy Act (updated to 18 February 2008).
14 facilities in the Free State, South Africa
In the Free State, where Vredefort is situated, there are 14 facilities which carry out abortions according to the directives of the Choice on Termination Pregnancy Act (updated to 18 February 2008), to which a healthcare professional may refer a client as needed, thus there is no provision under the CTOP Act to refer to a Pharmacy (which is not an approved health facility for abortions).
Abortion may only be carried out by medical practitioner or registered midwife in certain cases
According to the Choice on Termination Pregnancy Act (updated to 18 February 2008), an abortion may only be carried out by a medical practitioner, except for a pregnancy referred to in subsection (1) (a), which may also be carried out by a registered midwife who has completed the prescribed training course. [4] Pharmacies are aware of the provisions of the CTOP Act, as well as of the offences and penalties under law regarding non-adherence to the Choice on Termination Pregnancy Act (updated to 18 February 2008) Act. According to the provisions of the CTOP Act, if anyone other than a medical practitioner or a registered midwife who has completed the prescribed training course facilitates an abortion, offences and penalties apply as follows:
Offences and penalties, according to the CTOP Act
Offences and penalties according to the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act (updated to 18 February 2008) sets out the following;
Any person who - a) is not a medical practitioner, or a registered midwife or registered nurse who has completed the prescribed training course, and who performs the termination of a pregnancy referred to in section 2(1)(a); (b) is not a medical practitioner and who performs the termination of a pregnancy referred to in section 2(1)(b) or (c);...(d) terminates a pregnancy or allows the termination of a pregnancy at a facility not approved in terms of section 3(1) or not contemplated in section 3(3)(a), shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding 10 years. [4]
Constitution of South Africa ensures freedom of conscience
According to the Constitution of South Africa, 15.1 states that everyone has the right to freedom of conscience, religion, thought, belief and opinion. [5]
Misoprostol may cause uterine rupture
UTERINE RUPTURE HAS BEEN REPORTED WHEN CYTOTEC (MISOPROSTOL) WAS ADMINISTERED IN PREGNANT WOMEN TO INDUCE LABOR OR TO INDUCE ABORTION; ALLEGED NEWS. [6] The risk of uterine rupture associated with misoprostol use in pregnancy increases with advancing gestational age and prior uterine surgery including Caesarean delivery; Alleged News. [6] Maternal shock, maternal death, foetal bradycardia and foetal death have been reported with the use of misoprostol. [6] Misoprostol may cause anaphylactic reaction, Alleged News. [6] This means the woman who takes the misoprostol may have an allergic reaction to it which may prove life-threatening, and she may die.
Adverse events
The following adverse advents were reported with the use of misoprostol, Alleged News. [6] Causal relationships between Cytotec (misoprostol) and these events have not been established but cannot be excluded. [6] This means that reports were received after individuals took misoprostol that the following symptoms were experienced. As per the Cytotec misoprostol information it is unsure if the misoprostol caused these adverse events, yet it cannot be excluded that misoprostol may have caused the adverse event.
- Body as a whole; aches and pains, asthenia (body weakness), fatigue, fever, chills, rigors (severe shivering), weight changes
- Skin: rash, dermatitis (conditions that cause inflammations of the skin), alopecia (hair loss), breast pain
- Special senses: abnormal taste, abnormal vision, conjunctivitis (inflammation or infection of the transparent membrane that lines the eye and eyelid), deafness, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), earache
- Respiratory: upper respiratory tract infection (illness caused by acute infection, which involves the upper respiratory tract, including the nose, sinuses, pharynx, larynx or trachea), bronchitis, bronchospasm (a condition where the muscles lining the airways in the lungs tighten, causing the airways to narrow. This can lead to symptoms like coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing), dyspnoea (shortness of breath), pneumonia, epistaxis (nose bleeds)
- Cardiovascular: chest pain, oedema (swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body's tissues), diaphoresis (excessive sweating), hypotension (low blood pressure), hypertension (high blood pressure), arrhythmia (irregularities in the heartbeat, including when it is too fast or too slow), phlebitis (inflammation in the vein, usually in the legs), increased cardiac enzymes (increase of the heart enzymes in the blood may be a sign of heart damage, stress or inflammation), syncope (fainting), myocardial infarction - some fatal (heart attack, sometimes resulting in death), thromboembolic events such as pulmonary embolism, arterial thrombosis, and CVA (when a blood clot breaks loose, and blocks a blood vessel affecting multiple organs. It may cause blockage of the main artery of the lung, formation of a blood clot in an artery, and cerebrovascular accident also known as a stroke. The latter is an obstruction or bleed from a blood vessel in the brain that causes damage to the brain)
- Gastrointestinal: GI bleeding (gastrointestinal bleeding), GI (gastrointestinal inflammation/infection), rectal disorder (problems with the anus or rectum), abnormal hepatobiliary function (problems with the liver, gallbladder or bile duct), gingivitis (gum disease), reflux (the sphincter at the bottom end of the oesophagus relaxes and allows stomach acid to back up into the oesophagus, leading to heartburn and other problems), dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing), amylase increase (can be a sign of problems starting in the body such as inter alia with the pancreas)
- Metabolic: glycosuria (excretion of glucose into the urine), gout (form of inflammatory arthritis with recurrent attacks of pain in joints), increased nitrogen (increase of the amount of nitrogen which comes from urea, a waste product formed in the liver when the body breaks down proteins), increased alkaline phosphatase (or ALP levels which can indicate potential health issues, particularly related to the liver or bones, such as liver disease, bone disorders, or certain cancers)
- Genitourinary: polyuria (excessive production of urine), dysuria (painful or uncomfortable urination), hematuria (presence of blood or red blood cells in the urine), urinary tract infection
- Nervous system/psychiatric: anxiety, change in appetite, depression, drowsiness, dizziness, thirst, impotence, loss of libido, sweating increase, neuropathy (nerve damage that may affect the limbs), neurosis (mental anxieties), confusion (impaired orientation with respect to time, place or person)
- Musculoskeletal: arthralgia (joint pain), myalgia (muscle pain), muscle cramps, stiffness, back pain
- Blood/coagulation: anemia (blood disorder in which the blood has a reduced ability to carry oxygen), abnormal differential (an abnormal differential blood count indicates an unusual number or percentage of white blood cells, which can suggest infections, inflammations or blood disorders), thrombocytopenia (condition characterized by abnormally low levels of platelets in the blood), purpura (red or purple spots on the skin caused by bleeding underneath the skin), ESR increased (increase in erethrocyte sedimentation rate, which may indicate an increase in inflammatory activity within the body), Alleged News. [6]
Deaths and adverse effects due to Mifepristone
The use of mifepristone for medical termination of pregnancy, has led to adverse events, such as those documented in the Mifepristone U.S. Post-Marketing Adverse Events Summary through 12/31/2018: Alleged News. [7]
The information is from United State post-marketing reports received by FDA of adverse events that occurred among patients who had taken mifepristone for medical termination of pregnancy, Alleged News. [7]
The fatal cases after taking mifepristone were related to inter allia sepsis, ruptured ectopic pregnancy, ruptured gastric ulcer, severe haemorrhage, multi-visceral failure, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura leading to intracranial haemorrhage, toxic shock syndrome, asthma attack with cardiac arrest, respiratory decompensation with secondary pulmonary infection: Alleged News. [7]
Further patients underwent adverse events after taking mifepristone, such as hospitalization, experienced blood loss requiring blood transfusions, experienced infections or severe infections; Alleged News. [7]
Retained products of conception and haemorrhage
The study by Aultman et al. regarding deaths and severe adverse effects after the use of mifepristone as an abortifacient from September 2000 to February 2019, found that retained products of conception and haemorrhage caused most morbidity; Alleged News. [8]
In other words, most deaths of the mother after the abortion caused by taking mifepristone occurred due to:
- retained products of conception, which means that either some of the foetus or matter within the womb remained behind, causing sepsis (severe infection), which led to death
- haemorrhage (severe bleeding) after the use of mifepristone led to death.
Mifepristone may prove life-threatening with regard to ectopic pregnancy
When mifepristone is taken and a woman is not aware she has an ectopic pregnancy, a rupture of the ectopic pregnancy may occur, which may prove life-threatening. Women have died from a ruptured ectopic pregnancy after taking mifepristone: Alleged News. [7] and [8] The study by Aultman et al., showed that there were 75 ruptured ectopic pregnancies, including 26 ruptured ectopics (includes one death): Alleged News. [8] In the Mifepristone U.S. Post-Marketing Adverse Effects Summary, there were 97 ectopic pregnancies. [8] Deaths due to ruptured ectopic pregnancy were noted. [8]
Administration of mifepristone and misoprostol is contraindicated in patients with confirmed or suspected ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy outside the uterus). [8]
[1] Sowetan. Kim Swartz. 5 February 2025. Pharmacists told to issue abortion drugs, Alleged News. Page 6.
https://sowetanlive.pressreader.com/sowetan/20250205
[2] The Citizen. Molefe Seeletsa. 13 December 2024. 1.4 million abortions performed in public health facilities since 2014; Alleged News.
https://www.citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/abortions-pregnancy-termination-healthcare-motsoaledi/
[3] Pharmacists think it's illegal to dispense abortion pills: worrying consequences; Alleged News
[4] Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act (updated to 18 February 2008)
https://www.saflii.org/za/legis/consol_act/cotopa1996325/
[5] Constitution of the Republic of South Africa 1996 - Chapter 2, Bill of Rights
https://www.gov.za/documents/constitution/chapter-2-bill-rights#15
[6] Cytotec misoprostol tablets, Alleged News
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/019268Orig1s049lbl.pdf
[7] Mifepristone U.S. Post-Marketing Adverse Events Summary through 12/31/2018: Alleged News
https://www.fda.gov/media/112118/download
[8] National Library of Medicine. Issues Law Med. 2021 Spring: 36(1):3-26. Aultman, et al. Deaths and Severe Adverse Events after the use of Mifepristone as an abortifacient from September 2000 to February 2019: Alleged News
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33939340/
With thanks to sowetanlive, citizen.co.za, health-e.org.za, saflii.org, gov.za, accessdata.fda.gove, fda,gov and pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Image courtesy of Freepik AI generated content with CN Whittle
Monday, February 10, 2025
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ARSENIC, LEAD AND CADMIUM FOUND IN TAMPONS: ALLEGED NEWS
FOR DECADES, THE QUIET SADNESS FOR MANY HAS BEEN TOXIC SHOCK SYNDROME RESULTANT FROM THE USE OF TAMPONS. In recent decades, many young women were not allowed to use tampons as sad stories abounded about families orphaned or bereaved by the loss of a woman to toxic shock syndrome.
Toxic shock, in which a woman becomes very ill and/or dies due to the use of a tampon, continues to be a risk with tampon use. Between 1980 to 1982, 1,660 cases of tampon-related toxic shock syndrome were documented by the CDC, along with 88 deaths; Alleged News. [1] Five cases of toxic shock syndrome were reported between 2022 and 2023, in Wisconsin; Alleged News. [1] Most of these cases were tied to the use of superabsorbent tampons, Alleged News. [1] Many women in recent decades have chosen simply to use pads, as an alternative during menstruation.
16 metals such as Arsenic and lead found in tampons
Recently, metals such as arsenic and lead have been found in tampons; Alleged News. [2] In August 2024, a study by Shearston et al. was published. The study researched tampons as a source of exposure to metal(loid)s. [3] The results were that measurable concentrations of 16 metals were found in a selection of widely available tampons. [3]
Lead, arsenic and cadmium found in tampons
Shearston et al found measurable concentrations of all 16 metals assessed, arsenic, barium, calcium, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, mercury, nickel, lead, selenium, strontium, vanadium, and zinc. [3] and [4]. Metals found in tampons included the toxic metals lead, cadmium and arsenic. Lead was found as follows - Pb (lead) (geometric mean GM = 120 ng/g). [3] Cadmium was found as as follows - Cd (cadmium) (GM = 6.74 ng/g). Arsenic was found as follows - As (arsenic) (GM = 2.56 ng/g). [3] Shearston et al. also found elevated concentrations of Ca (calcium) (GM = 39,000 ng/g) and Zn (zinc) (GM = 52,000 ng/g) in tampons. [3]
In at least one sampled tampon, all 16 metals were detected, including some toxic metals like lead which has no 'safe' exposure level. [3]
Risk for high uptake of substances
The vagina has a highly permeable and vascularized mucosal membrane, and contains rugae, or small folds, resulting in an increased surface area.
This means that substances can move through the vaginal walls (permeable) and be easily circulated to the body, as there are many blood vessels which can transport substances through blood (vascularized). The small folds afford a larger area for uptake of chemicals (rugae). [3] This allows for efficient absorption. [3]
Vaginally absorbed chemicals do not undergo first-pass metabolism and detoxification via the liver. [3] They directly enter systemic circulation. [3]
Heavy metal toxicity
There are several health risks associated with heavy metal toxicity. [3] The plausible presence of metals in tampons is concerning not only given the known adverse effects of metals exposure on health but also the characteristics of the vaginal epithelium that allow for efficient chemical absorption into the systemic circulation. [3]
Heavy metals are among the most harmful contaminants in the ecosystem, according to Ati-Hellal and Hellal. [5] Lead, cadmium and mercury are among the list of 10 chemicals of major public concern due to their high water solubility, toxicity and carcinogesis (production of cancer) [5]
Health risks of lead
Lead is highly toxic. [6] One of the major mechanisms of lead toxicity is its ability to interact with proteins and to inhibit enzyme activity. [6] Acute lead toxicity can cause many symptoms, including neurological disorders, cognitive impairments, premature birth, brain injury, kidney disfunctions, reproductive pathologies (problems with reproduction), liver damage, paralysis and even death. [6]
Organ toxicity from lead can cause CNS injury (central nervous system problems), lungs dysfunction (improper working of the lungs), hematological changes or anemia (changes in the blood which causes problems), GI colic (gastro-intestinal colic which causes pain), liver damage, reduced pulmonary function (lungs don't breathe as well as they should), cardiovascular dysfunction (problems with the heart and blood circulation through the body). [8]
Health risks of arsenic
Arsenic and its compounds are classified as human carcinogens, and have associations with skin, lung and bladder cancer. Other effects include developmental effects, diabetes, and pulmonary and cardiovascular disease. [7] In other words, arsenic can cause cancer, cause problems with development, can cause diabetes, and can cause lung and heart disease.
Health risks of cadmium
Cadmium can cause cancer, liver damage, kidney dysfunction, degenerative bone disease, lung injuries, gastro-intestinal disorders, disorders in the metabolism of Zn (zinc) and Cu (copper). [8]
Health risks of mercury
Organ toxicity from mercury can lead to CNS injuries (central nervous system injuries), renal dysfunction (improper working of the kidneys), GI ulceration (ulcers in the gastro-intestinal areas), hepatotoxicity (toxic state of the liver). [8]
Health risks of chromium
Organ toxicity from chromium can lead to kidney dysfunction (improper working of the kidneys), GI disorders (problems with the gastro-intestinal areas), dermal diseases (diseases of the skin), increasing the incidence of cancers including lungs, larynx, bladder, kidneys, testicular, bone and thyroid. [8]
[1] The terror of toxic shock syndrome once ruled headlines - so why did it fizzle out? Alleged News
https://gizmodo.com/toxic-shock-bacterial-infection-high-absorbency-tampons-1851529413
[2] Lead, arsenic and other heavy metals in tampons prompt FDA investigation; Alleged News
https://edition.cnn.com/2024/09/10/health/fda-tampons-heavy-metals-wellness/index.html
[3] Elsevier. Environment International. Volume 190, August 2024, 108849. Shearston et al. Tampons as a source of exposure to metal(loid)s.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412024004355#bb0095
[4] Concerning levels of arsenic and lead found in tampons in world first study, Alleged News
[5] Environmental Health. Edited by Takemi Otsuki. 2021. Chapter 4, Heavy metals in the environment and health impact, Myriam El Ati-Hellal and Faycal Hellal, page 51
[6] Environmental Health. Edited by Takemi Otsuki. 2021. Chapter 4, Heavy metals in the environment and health impact, Myriam El Ati-Hellal and Faycal Hellal, page 54
[7] Poison Center & Public Health Collaboration Community of Practice (PCPH CoP) Newsletter. February 2024. Toxic Metals
[8] National Library of Medicine. Balali-Mood et al. Toxic mechanisms of five heavy metals: mercury, lead, chromium, cadmium and arsenic
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8078867/
With thanks to gizmodo.com, edition.cnn.com, sciencedirect.com, sciencealert.com, Environmental health book, cdc.gov and pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov