Some 2.5 million abortions performed in Indonesia annually

Surabaya (ANTARA News) - Although banned by law as well as an Indonesian Council of Ulema (MUI) edict, some 2.5 million abortions happen in Indonesia every year, an academician said.

"The figure does not yet include abortions effected with non-medical assistance or with the help of shaman," said Prof Dr Jurnalis Uddin of Jakarta-based YARSI University at a seminar here on Saturday.

He said research conducted at a number of medical care institutions like hospitals had led to the conclusion that the problem of the illegal practice needs to be given serious attention by the government and society.

Research done by WHO in 2008 had shown 20-60 percent of abortions in Indonesia were induced abortions and 50 percent of the cases were done in urban areas, he said.

In urban arrears, 70 percent of the cases were conducted in stealth by medical practitioners, and in rural areas 84 percent of the cases were performed by shaman.

Most of the women on which abortions were conducted were in the 20-29 age bracket. .

The reasons women sought an abortion included rape-induced pregnancy, detected genetic defect in the foetus, unfavorable socio-economic conditions, ill health, failed contraception.

Abortion is strongly forbidden in Law No 23 of 1992 on health and MUI Edict No 4 of 2005 on abortion, he said.

In the MUI edict it was said abortion is not allowed except in situations where it was necessary to save the woman`s life.

"The MUI edict does not mean legalizing abortion as it only allows the act in emergencies," he said.(*) END