Unsafe abortions are a major contributor to maternal mortality in India, with the World Population Report 2022 indicating that they rank as the third leading cause, resulting in approximately eight deaths daily. The lack of access to safe and affordable abortion services not only endangers women’s physical and mental health but also violates their fundamental human rights, including the right to life and to benefit from scientific advancements.
Several factors contribute to this issue. The NFHS-5 highlights the poor adoption of modern contraceptive methods, leading to unintended and teenage pregnancies, which often result in unsafe abortions. The societal taboo surrounding sex education prevents effective dissemination of information. Patriarchal norms foster a preference for male children, resulting in sex-selective abortions. Additionally, inadequate access to quality healthcare, particularly in rural areas, forces women to rely on untrained providers. Even where services exist, utilization is low due to cost, lack of awareness, and privacy concerns.
To address these issues, it is crucial to improve access to reproductive health services, enforce laws like the MTP Act 2021 effectively, and promote social and institutional attitudinal changes. Training healthcare providers, expanding sex education, subsidizing safe abortion services, and investing in healthcare infrastructure are also vital. The Supreme Court’s recent ruling allowing all women to terminate pregnancies up to 24 weeks, regardless of marital status, is a significant step forward. Implementing these reforms at the grassroots level is essential to reduce unsafe abortions and improve women’s health outcomes in India.