Legal but not safe

The Kathmandu Post sheds a somber light on the persistent dangers surrounding abortion in Nepal, even after its legalization over two decades ago. The tragic death of Gita Pandey from complications following an abortion underscores the critical gap between legal access and safe practice, a reality that continues to endanger women's lives.

The article meticulously details Pandey's case, from seeking an abortion at a nursing home to being referred for medication at a pharmacy, ultimately succumbing to complications. This narrative serves as a stark illustration of the risks involved when medical abortion kits are used without proper counseling or supervision, and when health facilities lack the necessary emergency care capabilities. Doctors like Dr. Shree Prasad Adhikari from Paropakar Maternity and Women’s Hospital highlight that even legal abortions carry risks, and complex cases demand specialized centers.

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Video X-ray (ultrasound) only may not confirm all abnormalities and complications. Multiple tests may be required in some cases and complicated abortions should be carried out at advanced centers equipped with life-saving facilities.

From a Nepalese perspective, the legal framework established in 2002 was a landmark achievement for women's reproductive rights and bodily autonomy. However, the continued deaths from abortion-related complications, particularly from unregulated clinics and over-the-counter medications, reveal a persistent public health crisis. The report indicates that while around 100,000 abortions are performed annually in authorized facilities, a significant number of women still face dire consequences due to unsafe practices. This situation calls for stricter regulation, enhanced medical oversight, and improved access to comprehensive emergency obstetric care to truly safeguard women's health and rights.

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Every month, we receive over half a dozen cases of complications following the use of medical abortion. In some cases, we have to perform immediate surgery and even remove the uterus to save a woman’s life.