Pakistan's backstreet abortion fear

Newly published data has revealed that 250,000 women in Pakistan suffer post-abortion...

Newly published data has revealed that 250,000 women in Pakistan suffer post-abortion complications due to "backstreet" treatment carried out by unskilled providers.

The figures from Pakistani health professionals also show that 3,000 of the 250,000 women die from the complications.

A conference in Islamabad heard that around 980,000 abortions are performed in the country each year under dangerous conditions. Married women are involved in 90% of them.

Speakers at the conference said the problem was intensified by the social stigma surrounding abortion and consequently qualified doctors often do not treat such cases.

Organisers of the conference wanted to raise awareness among community groups, doctors, religious leaders and the media about sexual and reproductive health.

Family Health Hospital medical superintendent Dr Nasira Malik said: "There can be many medical or social reasons behind people taking such decisions other than unwanted conception, there are cases of rape and incest which can lead to such situation."

Dr Nasira added: "It is very important for women that they should have easy access to sexual and reproductive health services and should know about their health concerns."

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