#Health #WomenRights #Abortion #LegalReform
The debate around women’s reproductive health under the theme ‘My Body, My Right’ has sparked discussions regarding the decriminalization of abortion. Despite the absence of legislation criminalizing abortion, stakeholders in the field have raised the need for necessary legal amendments to address the issue in a lawful framework.
In a collaborative event organized by Nepal Press Union, Center for Reproductive Rights, Women, Law, and Development Forum (WLDF), discussions on safe motherhood and reproductive health rights were held in Kathmandu. It was highlighted that the existing laws have criminalized abortion, necessitating legal modifications as per the Muluki Criminal Code of 2074 and the Reproductive Health Rights Act of 2075.
During the program, key figures like Savin Shrestha, Executive Director of Women, Law, and Development Forum, Dr. Padam Raj Pant, President of Nepal Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (NESOG), legal advisor Prabhakar Shrestha, and practicing lawyer in the field of reproductive health, Sonali Regmi, presented reports on the subject.
Offering insights, Savin Shrestha, President of Women, Law, and Development Forum, elucidated on the legal recognition of abortion since 2058 and its interpretation in the context of the current legal provisions. The discussion also shed light on specific instances like cases of minors giving birth due to the lack of a provision for abortion within 12 weeks and swift criminalization under the Muluki Criminal Code, citing examples to emphasize the urgency of addressing such issues.
In his opinion, Ramesh Khatri, a representative of Kansai Nepal News, expressed concerns about the need for policy reforms to ensure safe access to abortion, considering constitutional rights, international commitments, and women’s rights. He highlighted the role of the media in exerting positive influence through constructive engagement with the government on necessary legal amendments.
Moreover, the program attendees emphasized the importance of addressing current legal processes as being inadequate and non-transparent in cases involving girls, rape victims, and women with disabilities. Various challenges such as abortions on minors, gender identification-related abortions, and lack of safe services in rural areas were brought to light by participants from diverse backgrounds including journalists, healthcare workers, legal professionals, and women’s rights activists.
In conclusion, the consensus among all participants was the indispensable need for legal reforms, improved service delivery, enhanced education, awareness campaigns, and the dissemination of accurate information through media channels to meet the pressing requirements of today’s society.
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Author: MAYA | HARUTO
Posted at: May 28, 2025 3:01 am
