Global community urges Nepal to reform laws on abortion, child marriage

The call comes as Nepal reviews key recommendations received during the fourth cycle of the UPR, with a focus on legal identity, gender-based violence, and sexual and reproductive health and rights. Nepali culture insights

By REPUBLICA
March 22, 2026

KATHMANDU: The international community has urged Nepal to reform laws ranging from abortion to child marriage and to strengthen implementation of its human rights commitments under the United Nations Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR).

The call comes as Nepal reviews key recommendations received during the fourth cycle of the UPR, with a focus on legal identity, gender-based violence, and sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Continued : https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/global-community-urges-nepal-to-reform-laws-from-abortion-to-child-marriage-78-36.html

22.03.2026

News

abortion law reform

Binod Chandra Devkota

Forum for Women Law and Development

Meera Dhungana

Rojina Shrestha

United Nations Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review

Nepal – Legal error in women’s rights: criminalization of abortion!

May 27, 2025
Prakash Dhaulakoti

While safe abortion is being established as a reproductive right of women all over the world, in Nepal, the social stigma imposed on women due to abortion has not decreased.

The current law reflecting the patriarchal social thinking and its influence also hinders the rights of women over their own wombs

An 18-year-old girl from Dailekh and a 17-year-old boy from Dolpa, who were studying at Birendranagar in Surkhet, were in a relationship for about one and a half years. Taking precautions, the girl suddenly became pregnant last May.

Continued: https://ekantipur.com/en/News-Folder/2025/05/27/legal-error-in-womens-rights-criminalization-of-abortion-50-16.html

27.05.2025

Commentary

Gauri Pradhan Shrestha

Meera Dhungana

patriarchal abortion law

Prakash Dhaulakoti

Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Rights Act

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