Safe abortion services in Nepal: some insights

This study attempts to ascertain the reasons that lead women to abortion and assess the extent of the involvement of their husband or male partner in the pregnancy decision making. A total 304 of women who received safe abortion services during the eight-month period from 8 clinics of Family Planning Association of Nepal (FPAN) constitute the sample size of the study. Maternal education was a strong predictor of abortion. The most cited reason for resorting to abortion was that the women had no desire for additional child. Just more than half of the clients were accompanied by their husband. Almost one-third of the women were not practicing any contraception method prior to terminating their pregnancy. Enhancing the access of women to contraceptives and providing a wide choice of methods may offset the rise in demand for abortion. Men should be targeted in all reproductive health and right programs.