Abortion as birth control

Women’s reproductive rights have been heavily neglected, and it is time the matter was taken to the courts


Editorial February 20, 2019

A recent story that appeared in this newspaper has enlightened us to the plight of pregnant women who do not want their unborn children — often for medical reasons. However, owing to patriarchy and familial pressures — be it in-laws or one’s own family — women are impregnated to continue bearing children beyond healthy ages. When a woman has to risk her own life to secretly terminate a pregnancy, often seeking medical help from unauthorised sources, there are factors that are inherently wrong with our cultural and familial constructs.

Women’s reproductive rights have been heavily neglected in this country and it is time the matter was taken to the courts. Part of the solution also lies with promoting contraception and sex education, and restructuring perceptions about birth control. More than half of unplanned pregnancies end in abortion. Removing birth control programmes from economic planning would be detrimental. Policies need focus as women in Pakistan deserve access to reproductive rights, with equal — if not more — say as to whether they want more children or any children at all. Let it also be realised that it is crucial for parents to focus energies on raising decent human beings rather than reproducing for the sake of reproducing.

According to some recent statistics, as many as 2.25 million abortions took place in Pakistan and well over half a million women were treated for medical complications that followed unsafe abortions. It is tragic that a woman’s own family puts her health in jeopardy for selfish wants such as a son or more children or more grandchildren.

To lay claim over a woman’s reproduction on account of being the primary breadwinner is a violation of human rights. It is true that many women remain in unhappy relationships due to financial reasons but for this, they should not have to endure abuse and trauma.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 20th, 2019.

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