The legacy of Apartheid contributes to the barriers to access health care faced by many people in South Africa. Weaker health systems in rural areas, further exacerbated by high levels of poverty contribute to the obstacles faced by the majority of the population.
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) held a public inquiry in 2007. Their report (2009) indicated severe impediments to the realization of the right to health.
http://www.info.gov.za/view/DownloadFileAction?id=99769
For instance despite the implementation of the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act (No. 92 of 1996), only 50 % of designated facilities were operational - these were mostly in urban areas.
http://www.sangonet.org.za/article/sa-healthcare-system-failing
A research report by Human Rights Watch (2011) titled, Stop making excuses” describes cases of abuse in the Eastern Cape. Unhelpful attitudes of health care providers and poor accountability mechanisms in the health system deprive women of their right to access quality health care, influencing the increasing maternal mortality rates.
http://www.hrw.org/reports/2011/08/08/stop-making-excuses-0