About Abortion Support
Abortion Support is a South African non-profit founded in 2016. We are a team of experienced activists, researchers, and healthcare providers, dedicated to expanding access to safe, evidence-based abortion care.
We provide accurate and compassionate information and care based on South African and WHO clinical guidelines, international best practices, and scientific research.
Specifically, our service supports women and pregnant people seeking abortion pills. Throughout our work, we focus on safe, affordable care centred on their rights and preferences.
Moreover, with guidance from our digital support service, thousands of people have safely self-managed their abortions at home.
We also collaborate with leading organisations to improve access, influence policy, and conduct research to advance reproductive health in South Africa.
Our work is funded by the Safe Abortion Action Fund (SAAF). In addition, we partner closely with the Women on Web International Foundation, a global leader in telemedical abortion care, to provide confidential, high-quality abortion support across South Africa.
Our mission is to improve access to safe and compassionate digital abortion information and care.
Our Team
Victoria Satchwell (BA Hons, MSc), Executive Director and Co-founder
Health economist and reproductive rights advocate with expertise in abortion policy, digital service design, and feminist models of care. Victoria co-led South Africa’s national abortion guideline revision for the Department of Health. She has also supported international telemedical abortion services through her work with Women on Web.
Kathryn Gardner (BSc Hons, MSc), Operations Manager
Operations and systems specialist supporting digital service delivery and internal coordination at Abortion Support. Kathryn has a background in research, scientific data analysis, and operations, with experience in non-profit marketing.
Dr Louise Gilbert (MBBCh, MPH, Dip HIV Man, H Dip Sexual Health and HIV Med), Medical Supervisor
Medical doctor with over 15 years of experience in the South African NGO sector. Expert in sexual and reproductive health, HIV, and public health. Former Clinical Quality Lead at Marie Stopes South Africa. Email: info@abortionsupport.co.za
Gaopalelwe Phalaetsile (BA), Board Member and Co-founder
Campaigns and communications specialist with expertise in feminist media, digital advocacy, and storytelling for social justice. Former media lead for the Total Shutdown movement and digital campaigns manager at Oxfam South Africa. Currently Campaigns Specialist at the Nelson Mandela Foundation. Recognised as a Mail & Guardian 200 Young South African in 2023.
Kezia Lilenstien (BCom Hons, MCom), Board Member
Development economist specialising in research for evidence-based policy making. Her work focuses on poverty, inequality, and unemployment dynamics in South Africa. Currently Associate Programme Officer at UNU-WIDER, with prior research experience at the University of Cape Town.
Kwara Kekana (BCom, BA Hons), Board Member
Strategic communications and public affairs specialist with expertise in health equity and advocacy. Former Spokesperson to the Gauteng MEC for Health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Previously a board member and spokesperson for BDS South Africa. Furthermore, recognised as a Mail & Guardian 200 Young South African in 2020.
Gaopalelwe Phalaetsile
Victoria Satchwell
Kathryn Gardner
Kwara Kekana
Kezia Lilenstein
Expert Advisor Group
Venny Ala-Siurua (MSc)
Executive Director, Women on Web International Foundation
Leader in digital health and reproductive rights. She holds expertise in digital rights and online censorship of reproductive health information.
Dr Suzanne Veldhuis (MD, PhD, MSc)
Supervising Doctor & Research Coordinator, Women on Web International Foundation
Member of the IPPF International Medical Advisory Panel (IMAP). Former Medical Coordinator at Marie Stopes México.
Dr Marijke Alblas (MD)
Medical Doctor, abortion provider, and clinical trainer (retired).
Khanyisa Mapipa (LLB, LLM)
Head of Health Rights Programme, Section27
Health rights attorney and expert in reproductive and migrant health policy.
Asiphe Funda (LLB, LLM)
Health Rights Attorney, Section27
Specialist in sexual and reproductive rights and improving access to quality public healthcare.
Partners
Women on Web
Women on Web is an international organisation providing telemedicine abortion services worldwide. Having supported over 100,000 abortions internationally, they collaborate closely with us to ensure people in South Africa can access safe self-managed abortion.
Safe Abortion Action Fund (SAAF)
The Safe Abortion Action Fund supports grassroots organisations like ours with crucial funding. Their backing helps us expand access to abortion pills and strengthen community-led reproductive health services in South Africa.
Sexual and Reproductive Justice Coalition (SRJC)
We are proud members of the SRJC, a network of organisations in South Africa working to advance reproductive justice.
Contact Us
If you need abortion help, please complete a digital help request or get in touch by email: info@abortionsupport.co.za
For partnership or press inquiries, please contact us at: victoria@abortionsupport.co.za