Jacques de Vos, who has not been able to practise as a doctor for two years because of a charge brought against him in 2017 over his anti-abortion stance, will know today whether his application to the Health Professions Council (HPCSA) to have the matter dismissed is successful.

According to a Daily Maverick report, Keith Matthee, De Vos’ representative, argued before the HPCSA yesterday that the delays had prejudiced his client. He said ‘the vagueness of the charges’ should warrant dismissal of the matter.

De Vos is accused of disrespecting his patient’s autonomy by imposing his personal belief over the patient’s right to terminate her pregnancy.

He is also accused of distributing pamphlets at work to patients, colleagues and members of the public. The HPCSA guidelines on reproductive health stipulate that ‘practitioners do not have the right to impose their religious or cultural convictions regarding abortion on those whose attitudes are different’.

Matthee said De Vos did not want to handle the matter through the courts as it was expensive.

‘We’re relying on this committee because it’s a financially better option for him. He gets to present his arguments before fellow doctors who understand (the industry), unlike a judge who wouldn’t understand,’ said Matthee, who maintained that the charges ‘lacked specificity’.

‘It feels like a fishing expedition,’ he said.

Zolile Gajana, the HPCSA representative, responded that the charge sheet contained ‘sufficient particularity’ and that ‘the respondent can answer to the charges’.

The chairperson of the committee, Andre Swart, said the committee would pronounce on whether the matter would be dismissed today.

Full Daily Maverick report