POPLINE Document Number: 270908
Author(s):
Samil RS
Source citation:
[Unpublished] 1988 Oct. Paper presented at The Christopher Tietze International Symposium on Women's Health in the Third World: The Impact of Unwanted Pregnancy, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 29-30 October, 1988. 3 p.
Abstract:
Because of religious and other proscriptions, Indonesia and other countries have enacted laws forbidding abortion. Women in Indonesia have resorted to clandestine abortions which include herbal medicines and violent "massage." Due to the high mortality and morbidity rates from such measures, multiple efforts by medical professionals and lawyers have tried to change the abortion laws. The need for so many clandestine abortions stems from women being married too early in life, being pregnant too late in life, and being pregnant too often. Women who seek abortions face a social taboo which, combined with the indifference of physicians, makes anything but a clandestine abortion impossible. Midwives are relatively sympathetic, but ill trained to handle abortions. In order to stop this catastrophe, new laws must be enacted to support health facilities who supply abortions for these women. Services offered should be in accordance with available equipment and medical personnel. Gestational age needs to be considered in order to provide safe termination and management. A referral systems needed to send patients to efficiently equipped facilities for their needs. Funds would have to be provided by the government and the community for facilities so that all members of society can use them.
Keywords:
IndonesiaIndex page
Abortion
Abortion Law
Pregnancy, Unwanted
Religion
Family Planning
Population Law
Needs
Planning
Recommendations
Religious Aspects
Asia, Southeastern
Asia
Developing Countries
Fertility Control, Postconception
Reproductive Behavior
Fertility
Population Dynamics
Demographic Factors
Population
Legislation
Economic Factors
Organization and Administration