Poverty and lack of awareness and access forcing many to resort to unsafe abortion

Even 19 years after legalisation, women’s struggle for safe abortion continues. As a result, they put their health at risk and are unable to exercise their rights, experts say.

Samiksha Baral
Published at : January 24, 2021

For months last year, Mina waited for the Covid-19 induced lockdown to end with bated breath.

When the government finally eased months of lockdown in July, Mina, whose name has been changed to protect her identity, was all set to run away from her home.

Mina had her own simple reason—she did not want to have the child she was carrying.

Continued: https://kathmandupost.com/health/2021/01/24/poverty-and-lack-of-awareness-and-access-forcing-many-to-resort-to-unsafe-abortion

Nepal – Eliminate unsafe abortion

Eliminate unsafe abortion
In Nepal, abortion is legal and provided free of cost in government health centres.

Dr Bal Krishna Shah
Apr 23, 2019

An abortion is the ending of a pregnancy by the removal or expulsion of the embryo or fetus before it can survive outside the uterus. Nepali women were granted abortion rights in 2002; and in 2004, abortion service was expanded throughout the country. In 2009, medical abortion service was introduced. There were 1,124 government and non-government hospitals and health institutions providing safe abortion services as of 2016-17. Both manual vacuum aspiration and medical abortion services are used for safe abortions in Nepal. All legal provisions need to be fulfilled in order to perform abortions, and the health institution should have the logo of safe abortion service.

Continued: https://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2019-04-23/eliminate-unsafe-abortion.html

Nepal – Many women opting for unsafe abortion

Many women opting for unsafe abortion

Kathmandu, December 25, 2018

The government provides safe abortion service free of cost across the country through various health facilities. However, data show that many women are not taking this service due to lack of awareness and to keep the matter a secret.

Karuna (name changed), a 26-year-old woman from Mugu, got pregnant for the fifth time. She already has four daughters. Considering her poor financial condition, she decided to go for abortion. But, she prioritised secrecy over safety and thus reached Kathmandu traveling a long way. She had to spend around Rs 80,000, including transport fare, medical bills, and food and lodging expenses. She is facing health complications after abortion as she did not have any idea about safe abortion centres.

Continued: https://thehimalayantimes.com/kathmandu/many-women-opting-for-unsafe-abortion/

25.12.2018