ABORTION IS THE BEST METHOD FOR UNWANTED PREGNANCIES

         When we talk about abortion, there are barriers in this issue whether it is legal or not to perform in government hospitals.Although it is consider as the best method for unwanted pregnancies for some women who have been raped or unmarried young girls, this is strictly based on medical reasons and the risk to perform the abortion. A study found that there is very restricted accessibility to legal abortion in most government hospitals. When abortions are provided in government hospitals, this is strictly based on medical reasons and not according to the full permissibility of the Penal Code. Some women who have been raped and women with foetuses with congenital abnormalities have been reported to have been refused abortion and referred to private hospitals or clinics. In one Kuala Lumpur public hospital, an extreme reluctance to perform any kind of legal abortion was reported. Furthermore, experiences with women seeking help from women NGOs showed that some low-income, young, unmarried and disadvantaged women have been refused safe, legal and affordable abortion from government hospitals in Kuala Lumpur. 

      According to a survey among government doctors,62% of the 120 doctors and nurses suggested abortion to the unwanted pregnancies, only 38% responded that such women should continue the pregnancy and either look after the baby themselves or give it up for adoption rather than consider having an abortion. Other barriers are the misconception of service providers on Muslim fatwas on abortion and the prohibition of the Vatican on abortion. The fatwa in Malaysia, as in many of the 57 Muslim countries globally, allow abortion for health and welfare reasons up to four months. However, this is also not widely known. Yet, irrespective of personal and religious beliefs, providers need to respect the civil law and women's choices. No guidance exists on these ethical issues.

      Lastly, abortion is found to be the best way for unwanted pregnancies among the young and unmarried women who involved in sex before marriage and those who are raped victims. Abortion is also being performed by married couples who feel that complications may occur if they continue the pregnancies.