Jacques de Vos can practise medicine after a charge, for allegedly trying to persuade a woman not to have an abortion, was dropped.
CAPE TOWN – Anti-abortion doctor Jacques de Vos is able to complete his community service and practice medicine.
He was suspended in 2017 while doing an internship at the 2 Military Hospital, for allegedly dissuading a pregnant woman from terminating her pregnancy, likening it to the “killing of a human being”.
The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) had charged him with professional misconduct for allegedly dissuading the patient from terminating her pregnancy, disrespecting the dignity of the patient, and using emotive language to convey his beliefs. However in 2020, the HPCSA dropped the charges after the complainant no longer wanted to proceed with the matter.
Throughout the case, De Vos maintained he was not guilty.
His lawyer, Martus de Wet said: “He is relieved, very happy that he can proceed. Also a huge part of his life has been wasted, he is in a wheelchair, severely disabled. It is very frustrating.”
However he added there was hope.
ChristianView Network welcomed the decision.
“The court review judgment where De Vos asks the court to force the HPCSA to give him a verdict is awaited. The HPCSA simply withdrew charges after failing to prove their case after years of harassing De Vos without evidence.
The HPCSA did not respond to a request for comment by deadline.
Cape Times
