Publication: A Critical Analysis of Safe Abortion Road Map in Nepal
Date
2024
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Nepal Health Research Council
Abstract
Background: Abortion was legalized by the 2002 Muluki Ain to combat the surging rates of maternal mortality and morbidity. By 2021, the Maternal Mortality Rate plummeted to 151 from 539 in 1996. The decline in the abortion-related maternal mortality attributes to the implication of progressive abortion policies that includes expanded safe abortion services introduction of medical abortion, constitutional recognition of abortion, the mandates by Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Rights Act, and free-of-cost abortion services in government health facilities.
This review study delves into exploring the contemporary abortion policies and its implications on women’s access to safe abortion services as well as the factors that affect the access.
Methods: This study incorporates findings from extensive desk review of abortion services in Nepal.
Results: The 2021 safe abortion services Program Implementation Guideline aims to expand safe abortion sites; however, the Nepal’s challenging geography ensues its inequitable distribution, especially in mountainous area. Policy provisions on information and financial accessibility to abortion are well navigated by the Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Rights Act and regulation but consistent to sporadic gaps in its implementation were comprehended in this study. This paper further discussed the Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Rights Act’s regressive mandate of 28-week gestational limit at any condition and the role of gender in abortion decision-making under the pretext of factors influencing safe abortion services.
Conclusions: The review study recommends strategies: improving capacity for abortion services under federalism, combating stigma, improving the private sector’s readiness, and building a resilient health system.
Keywords: Accessibility; availability; legalization; quality; safe abortion.
Description
Jagadishwor Ghimire
Ipas Nepal
Sanju Maharjan
Anweshan Private Limited
Pratikshya Kattel
Anweshan Private Limited
Deeb Shrestha Dangol
Ipas Nepal
Bibek Kumar Lal
Family Welfare Division, Department of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Population, Nepal
Nisha Joshi
Family Welfare Division, Department of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Population, Nepal
Gauri Pradhan Shrestha
Family Welfare Division, Department of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Population, Nepal
Archana Suwal
Anweshan Private Limited
Ojasbi Bhattarai
Anweshan Private Limited
Suruchi Shahi
Anweshan Private Limited
Manish Gautam
Anweshan Private Limited
Navaraj Bhattarai
Anweshan Private Limited
Suresh Mehata
Ministry of Health, Koshi Province, Nepal
Bhogendra Raj Dotel
Anweshan Private Limited
Sujan Karki
Ipas Nepal