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58 per cent abortion cases in Nepal unsafe, concludes government study

Kathmandu, September 26

A study carried out by the government says 58 per cent of total abortion cases happening in Nepal are unsafe.

The Family Health Division under the Ministry of Health says 56 per cent abortion cases involve unsafe abortion by married women whereas two per cent involve unmarried ones.

Chief of the Division, Dr Naresh Pratap KC, says these unsafe cases are handled by institutions and facilities not authorised for safe abortion by the government.

Around 322,000 women undergo abortion in Nepal every year and more than 186,000 cases are unsafe, he informs.

More than 13,000 girls under the age of 20 undergo abortion every year, according to KC.

The official says lack of awareness among rural women about legalisation of abortion and abortion of safe services is the major cause of the prevalence behind unsafe abortion. “To minimise these cases, we need to raise public awareness.”

Nepal had legalised abortion under certain conditions 15 years ago. Commemorating the legalisation, the Safe Abortion Service Day is celebrated on September 26 every year.

More than 3,000 health professionals have been mobilised in safe abortion service in Nepal. Around 1,100 health facilities have been licenced to carry out the operation.

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