Black South African women’s experiences of integrating modern and traditional African medicine in promoting reproductive health

Abstract: South Africa’s political history has resulted in a problematic healthcare system which is marked by inequality in terms of access in respect of gender, race and social class. In many ways the public health sector does not cater to the needs of its users. One example is the lack of integration of modern and traditional medicine. This study aims to shed light on the experiences of Black South African women who combined elements of traditional and modern healthcare in an attempt to overcome their struggles with infertility. Even though this dual approach to reproductive health is common, little is known about its intricacies, since the topic is highly stigmatised and taboo in African culture. From a public health perspective, this is problematic as more information is required to illuminate the motivations, experiences and effects of this combined use. Black South African women inhabit multiple intersecting identities - each of which offer diverse opportunities and/or discriminations. Their experiences were analysed within the context of contemporary South Africa using an exploratory, interpretivist approach and applying intersectionality. Through in-depth qualitative interviews with 4 Black South African women, 2 modern healthcare practitioners and 2 traditional African practitioners, the study found that women draw on knowledge and behaviours from their past and present to create an ad-hoc approach to infertility treatment. This approach was predominantly driven by desperation to fall pregnant and coincided with the dilution of traditional African practices that have occurred over time. The need for formal institutional integration of modern and traditional medicine was also expressed in the participants’ narratives. The role that childbearing plays in African culture came to the fore in the study as did the patriarchal practices that burden African women. The research highlights the extent of isolation felt by infertile Black South African women, as well as the value of family and community support. Furthermore, the study emphasises the need to dismantle the stigma associated with infertility and to support the burgeoning social movement that is being created by some of the women in this space.M.A. (Sociology