Abortion Rights In Pakistan And Around The World

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What Is Abortion?

In simple words, it’s a medical procedure to end a pregnancy. With limited knowledge concerning sexual health awareness and poor access to family planning methods – many married, underprivileged, and sexually abused women resort to abortions while jeopardising their health in the process. Abortion is illegal in Islamic regions such as the Middle East, North Africa, and Pakistan, except in cases where its detrimental to the mothers physical or mental health. Research shows, “Pakistan has an annual abortion rate of 50 per 1,000 women, the highest in South Asia and one of the highest in world.” 

In midst of a global pandemic and an economic recession, getting an abortion has become less attainable. A procedure that was already expensive, is even less accessible for people facing a financial crisis. On average, the local cost for an abortion ranges between 4,157 to RS 45,000. In regional and rural areas of Pakistan, there is a shortage of resources and the supplies necessary to carry out the procedure are limited.

How widespread is abortion in Pakistan? 

Abortion is a taboo topic in Pakistan, and many women fear discussing it due to their past experiences. In Pakistan, it is reported that 14 out of a 100 women are forced into induced abortion. In some parts of Pakistan, for instance, in the North West Frontier Province and Balochistan, abortion rates are higher. However, in areas that encourage the use of contraception, the rates are lower. 

Why do women have abortions? 

Across the globe, the most prominent reasons for having an abortion is a result of unplanned pregnancies. Socioeconomic reasons – which include lack of financial support from the father – unemployment, and poverty contribute to a large number of abortions. In addition, other causes can be related to relationship problems, not wanting more kids, or being too young. 

What are the consequences of unsafe abortion? 

There are many threatening side effects that come with having an unsafe abortion; some resulting in severe illnesses and death. Approximately 6 out of 1000 women between the ages of 15-49 are hospitalised and suffer from excessive bleeding, anaemia, physical trauma, infections, and more. Milder symptoms include cramping, nausea, diarrhoea. If left untreated, there is a small chance of it affecting one’s fertility as well as future pregnancies. 

Abortion Worldwide

Europe:

Majority of European countries allow abortions to happen on all grounds. Limited countries have restrictive laws against abortion claiming that it’s only acceptable if its to protect a pregnant women’s health  

USA 

Half of the pregnancies in America are unplanned, and end in induced abortion. Younger women in their teens, or 20’s account for the majority of abortions in the United States.

Indonesia 

Even though abortion in Indonesia is illegal, there are some exceptions that make it acceptable such as if the pregnancy comes from a rape, or if the pregnancy harms the health of the mother.

China 

China’s one child policy led to numerous forced abortions . Abortion services in China are legal, and are easily available in the country family planning programs. 

Lebanon 

Abortion in Lebanon is prohibited by law, however many hospitals and clinics still perform it secretively. If found out, punishment is several years in prison 

Abortion laws in Pakistan 

According to the Pakistan Penal code 1860, there are two laws regarding the topic of abortion in Pakistan. The liberty to have an abortion in Pakistan is restricted due to Islamic beliefs. The penalty depends on how far along the pregnancy is, and if there is any movement of the fetus. 

  1. A person performing an illegal or secretive abortion is accustomed to three years of jail, if the women agrees to it. However if not then it is 10 years.
  2. If the women is at a stage of pregnancy where the fetus has developed, the penalty is 10 years of imprisonment along with a fine. This is applicable to women who causes herself to miscarry 

Pakistan is an Islamic republic, therefore the laws and regulations follow the Shariah law. In Islam, the only exception where abortion is deemed acceptable is if it is performed in ‘bona fides’, for the sole purpose of saving the mothers life in a way that it doesn’t cause undue stress.

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