Title: Abortion: Who is responsible for our rights?

POPLINE Document Number: 281824

Author(s):

Jesani A
Iyer A

Source citation:

[Unpublished] [1995]. 10 p.

Abstract:

Throughout history, women have practiced forms of birth control and abortion. These practices have generated intense moral, ethical, political and legal debates since abortion is not merely a techno-medical issue, but, "the fulcrum of a much broader ideological struggle in which the very meanings of the family, the state, motherhood and young women's sexuality are contested". Women have overtly or covertly resorted to abortion, but their access to services has been countered by the imposition of social and legal restrictions, many of which have origin in morality and religion. The norms governing the ethics of abortion have been constantly remoulded to suit the times and the social contexts, in which they are set. Despite the dissimilarities in their construct, intent and orientation, these norm's have invariably been directed to the fulfillment of social needs, that do not recognize women's right to determine their sexuality, fertility and reproduction. This paper reviews the abortion scenario, with particular reference to India. A brief historical account of the role of the medical profession in criminalising and decriminalizing abortion services, is followed by a discussion on the politics of abortion in India. An analytic review of the abortion situation in India, provides the reader with information about legal and illegal abortions and the paper concludes by placing the issue of abortion in the context of social (rather than individual) needs and rights. (excerpt)

Keywords:

India
Technical Report
Women
Abortion
Contraceptive Usage
Family Planning
Sexuality
Political Factors
Asia, Southern
Asia
Developing Countries
Demographic Factors
Population
Fertility Control, Postconception
Contraception
Personality
Psychological Factors
Behavior