“Stigma remains a major barrier to safe abortion”
Summary
Stigma, misinformation, distance and cost continue to block access to safe abortion in Nepal even after legalization and constitutional recognition of reproductive health rights. FWLD executive director Sabin Shrestha says legal reform, stronger health services and better disaster preparedness are needed to make safe abortion truly accessible.
Key Points
- Nepal legalized abortion in 2002, but around 52 percent of abortions are still unsafe, according to a 2022 study by FWD and Ipas Nepal.
- FWLD Executive Director Sabin Shrestha says stigma, lack of information, confidentiality concerns and affordability remain major barriers, especially in rural areas.
- He says safe abortion must be better integrated into health services, disaster response plans and legal reforms, including clearer protections for women and girls.
- The article also highlights the need to strengthen family-planning services, expand trained providers and improve implementation of international recommendations.
