De Freitas, S. A.2015-08-212015-08-212005De Freitas, S. A. (2005). A critical retrospection regarding the legality of abortion in South Africa. Journal for juridical science, 30(1), 118-145.0258-252X (print)2415-0517 (online)http://hdl.handle.net/11660/1032English: Abortion touches at the heart of the commencement of life, and therefore has to be approached accordingly. In this article, the South African jurisprudential debate on the legality of abortion, including the judgment in Christian Lawyers Association of SA v Minister of Health and the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act, is critically investigated. In conclusion, a proposed point of departure is postulated, with the aim of shedding more light on foetal status. In this regard, it is argued that, as part of the primary enquiry, morality and science, with special emphasis on fertilization, will have to play a more integral role.Afrikaans: Aborsie raak aan die wese van die aanvang van lewe, en daarom moet dit dienooreenkomstig benader word. In hierdie artikel, word die Suid-Afrikaanse regsleer in die konteks van die regsgeldigheid van aborsie, insluitend die uitspraak in Christian Lawyers Association of SA v Minister of Health en die Wet op die Keuse van Swangerskapbeëindiging, krities ondersoek.Ten slotte word 'n voorgestelde vertrekpunt gepostuleer, met die doel om meer lig op fetale status te werp. In hierdie verband, word daar aangevoer dat, as deel van die primêre ondersoek, moraliteit en die wetenskap, met spesiale klem op bevrugting, 'n meer integrale rol sal moet speel.enArticleFaculty of Law, University of the Free State