Rising Awareness and Challenges in Abortion Access for Women in Kerala

Challenges Faced by Women Seeking Abortions
Women encounter numerous obstacles when attempting to undergo abortions. For instance, when a woman visits a hospital for this procedure, she is often subjected to a barrage of questions. In some cases, doctors may refuse to perform the abortion without providing a valid reason. This reflects a societal perception that women lack autonomy over their own bodies.
Increased Awareness in Kerala
In Kerala, there has been a significant rise in awareness regarding reproductive health among women. According to the Health Management Information System (HMIS), the number of abortions in the state has surged by over 76% in the past nine years. The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Act, 2021, has extended the permissible period for abortions from 20 to 24 weeks.
Statistical Growth in Abortions
Data reveals that in the fiscal year 2014-15, there were 17,025 abortions recorded. By 2023-24, this number has escalated to approximately 30,000, with 21,282 occurring in private hospitals and 8,755 in government facilities. From 2015-16 to 2024-25, Kerala documented a total of 197,782 abortions, with 67,004 in government hospitals and 130,778 in private ones. This data encompasses both voluntary and involuntary abortions.
Reassessing the Perception of Abortion
Many individuals view abortion negatively; however, a significant portion of these procedures are conducted with the woman's health in mind. Unfortunately, some abortions are coerced. Therefore, rather than objecting to a woman's choice to terminate a pregnancy, healthcare providers should focus on educating women about their health.
Concerns Over Reliance on Private Hospitals
Health experts have raised alarms regarding the increasing preference for private hospitals for abortions. The primary reason for this trend is the confidentiality offered by these facilities. Consequently, there is a pressing need for government hospitals to enhance their infrastructure to accommodate such needs.
Women Becoming More Aware of Their Rights
Experts note that many women seeking abortions are becoming increasingly aware of their rights. Today's women are unwilling to take risks with their health and prefer the operational care, post-abortion support, and privacy that private hospitals provide. In contrast, government hospitals often require documents like marriage certificates, which can discourage women from seeking care there.