Concern rises over abortion rate in Sri Lanka

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Sociology
• Reproductive Health

Background:

• Contraception is widely available in Sri Lanka, yet illegal abortion rates are increasing significantly.
• A high prevalence of unintended pregnancies contributes to the rising abortion rates, despite high awareness of family planning methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the rising rates of illegal abortions in Sri Lanka.
• To analyze the socio-economic factors contributing to the high incidence of abortions.
• To examine the challenges posed by illegal abortions to the healthcare system and societal values.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of government health statistics on abortion rates.
• Review of a 1982 government survey on family planning attitudes and practices.
• Examination of hospital records detailing costs and resource allocation for treating complications from illegal abortions.

Main Results:

• Over 500 illegal abortions are performed daily in Colombo alone.
• Only slightly over half of Sri Lankan women practice birth control despite 99% awareness of family planning.
• Illegal abortions incur significant economic costs on the free public healthcare system, with treatment costing a minimum of US$35 per patient.

Conclusions:

• The high rate of illegal abortions is a complex social and economic issue, not solely a moral or legal one.
• There is a need for a strategy that balances societal values with women's reproductive choices.
• Addressing social inequalities and providing women with greater autonomy in reproductive decisions is crucial.