E-Kantipur

KATHMANDU, MAR 20 -

The government legalised abortion in September 2002 and began offering abortion services both in public and private health institutions, but a large number of women from border districts continue to seek such services in Indian cities.

Until March, the government has certified 293 health institutions across the country to provide abortion services. However, termination of unwanted pregnancies are still far from being safe, especially due to lack of trained and skilled health practitioners, says a study conducted by Centre for Research on Environment Health and Population Activities (CREHPA).

The study was carried out in 11 districts bordering India among 1,380 married women of 15-49 age group, who sought abortion services in health institutions in India and Nepal.

The research shows that 60.8 and 48.4 percent of the abortions carried out in India and Nepal respectively were incomplete, which led to serious health hazards. “Despite the availability of abortion services in Nepal, many women from these districts seek clandestine abortion services in Indian cities,” said Shareen Tuladhar, one of the researchers.  

The law allows termination of pregnancy up to 12 weeks, but it should be carried out in a government-certified health institution by trained health professionals. In case of incest, rape and serious threat to mother’s health, pregnancy up to 18 weeks can be terminated.

But the study found half the women were unaware of the abortion law, said Ananda Tamang, director of CREHPA, sharing the findings at a programme.

Director of Family Health Division, Dr. Naresh Pratap KC said legalisation of abortion has failed to yield the desired  results due to lack of awareness and communication, particularly among people at the grassroots.

Lawmaker Sapana Pradhan Malla said the government was more responsible for making abortion services more accessible and affordable.

 

Posted on: 2010-03-20 12:00

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