Bill on demand: South African newspapers fighting the abortion issue in 1995/96
Terje Skjerdal · Ecquid Novi African Journalism Studies · 2000
This study seeks to explore the mediated discourse of the South African abortion debate 1995/96. It is limited to the editorials in 13 of the largest newspapers, totalling a number of 24 editorials. Through a discourse analysis approach, the writer attempts to show how words and argumentation were used to associate the new liberal abortion bill with positive values. The argumentation used by the newspapers can be read as a political discourse that illustrates the South African transformation from apartheid to democracy. Most newspapers spent more space on discussing the abortion debate than the abortion issue. Emotive words were used extensively, and so was the act of othering. Most newspapers argued strongly for the new abortion bill.