Abortion in Sri Lanka

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Abortion is illegal in Sri Lanka except when it is needed to save the life of the pregnant mother. [1] [2] It is punishable by up to three years imprisonment. [3]

Attempts to liberalize abortion law in 1995, 2011, and 2013 were unsuccessful. [3]

One 1998 UN report estimated an abortion rate of 45 for every 1,000 women of reproductive age. [3]

Despite the law, mifepristone and misoprostol can be purchased under the table at many pharmacies. [3]

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References

  1. Ganguly, Meenakshi. Reform Sri Lanka’s Draconian Abortion Law. Human Rights Watch. March 10, 2022.
  2. Kumar, Ramya (March 16, 2013). "Abortion in Sri Lanka: The Double Standard". American Journal of Public Health. 103 (3): 400–404. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2012.301154. PMC   3673519 . PMID   23327236.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Ladly, Meghan Davidson. Sri Lanka's backstreet abortions: hundreds of women take daily risks with illegal terminations. The Telegraph. 5 August 2020.