From advocacy to policy change and implementation: Nepalese experience in ensuring abortion as a reproductive and human right

APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Anand Tamang, Dinesh Dhungel, and Prabhakar Shrestha. Center for Research on Environment, Health and Population Activities (CREHPA), Kusunti, Lalitpur, P.O. Box 9626, Kathmandu, Nepal, 977-1-5546487, 5521717, anand@crehpa.wlink.com.np

Nepal legalized abortion in September 2002, made possible after several years of intensive research, advocacy and lobbying. The advocacy messages were built on research results and public opinion polls conducted periodically in the country between 1996 and 2001. Prior to legislative reform, most abortions were carried out clandestinely and such abortions contributed significantly to the country's high maternal mortality and morbidity figures. The National Abortion Policy 2002 guarantees access to safe and affordable abortion services to every woman without discrimination. His Majesty's Government began providing comprehensive abortion care (CAC) services from March 2004. As of January 2006, 67 government hospitals and 66 non-government health institutions and private facilities have been approved by the government for providing CAC services. This paper discusses achievements made during the past two years in implementing the abortion law, public awareness about the law, attitudes towards abortion as a woman's reproductive and human right, and challenges and obstacles in expanding access to legal, safe and affordable abortion services in the country. Data for this presentation are derived from the on-going "Sumarga" (right path) advocacy program implemented in 13 districts through district based non-governmental organizations (2003-2006), public opinion polls and surveys carried out during 2004-2005 and from the on-going National Facility based Abortion Baseline Study" (2005-2006), supported by Ipas and the Center for Research on Environment Health and Population Activities (CREHPA).

Learning Objectives:

Understand the process of legal and policy change in Nepal regarding abortion
Discuss how research results can positively influence policy
Review how rights discourse is being used in relation to abortion in Nepal to improve women's access to services

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation

Access to Safe, Quality Abortion Care is a Basic Human Right

The 134th Annual Meeting & Exposition (November 4-8, 2006) of APHA