6.6pc women opted for abortions in 2023

These abortions led to serious complications in 21-30pc women in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD:

Approximately 66 women of reproductive age (15-49) per 1,000 had an induced abortion in 2023 while between 21-30% of women who underwent an abortion still faced complications, indicating serious gaps in care and safety.

While the rate of abortion-related complications has declined from 13.9 per 1,000 women in 2012 to 11.7 per 1,000 in 2023, significant inequities remain. These were the findings of the study titled "Safeguarding Women's Health: Trends, Inequities, and Opportunities in Pakistan's Abortion and Post-Abortion Care Services" launched recently.

The event unveiled findings from a comprehensive national study by the Population Council, in partnership with the Guttmacher Institute, highlighting the urgent state of women's reproductive health in Pakistan, with a focus on abortion and post-abortion care.

The study further found that rural poor women are more likely to suffer from complications compared to wealthier women and those living in urban areas. The study is a major eye-opener when the country's intercensal population growth rate is recorded at 2.55% per annum, with contraceptive use stagnating. Moreover, 17.3% of women report an unmet need for family planning, contributing to high rates of unintended pregnancies, many of which result in unsafe abortions.

Speaking on the occasion, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on National Health Services, Dr Malik Mukhtar Ahmed Bharath, said "The government is fully committed to enhancing healthcare access, especially for women in marginalised and underserved regions. We are working towards a system where every woman can receive the healthcare she needs, when she needs it, free from stigma or fear." The government plans to implement the report's recommendations by investing in infrastructure, capacity building, and an enhanced referral system to improve emergency response capabilities, strengthening reproductive health services nationwide, he added.

Dr Malik emphasised that with maternal mortality at 186 deaths per 100,000 live births, the research underscores the need for comprehensive reforms in reproductive healthcare. He also stressed the importance of balancing population and resources, reaffirming the government's commitment to achieving this through policies and improved access to family planning services. The Women's Health Study is the third in a series of national assessments following similar studies in 2002 and 2012. It comes at a pivotal time as Pakistan grapples with significant reproductive health challenges.