Page 44 - Health & Physical edu- 8

Reproductive Health

Reproduction refers to the process of producing children. Reproductive health is a

state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to reproductive
system, reproductive organs and their functions. In other words, it includes all
the aspects of health related to reproductive system and its functions. Therefore,
reproductive health deals with ability to live a safe sexual life, ability to make
reproduction, and freedom to decide when and how to do so.

Concept of Safe Abortion

The abortion that is carried out by a licensed health practitioner in the licensed
organization taking consent of the pregnant woman is known as safe abortion.

Sometimes, there may be unwanted pregnancy. In such cases, the pregnancy is to be
terminated which we call abortion. Safe abortion service procedure (2060) mentions
that abortion can be done in case the pregnancy is harmful to the pregnant woman's
physical and mental health and the fetus is suffering from a severely debilitating or

fatal deformity as certified by an expert physician. The abortion of the fetus up to
12 weeks of gestation and up to 18 weeks of gestation in case of rape or incest can
be done without recommendation from a physician. But it is good if the physician
is consulted. Abortion can be done on request of the pregnant woman but in case

the woman is unconscious or is below age 16, then consent must be taken from
her parents.

Prohibition of Abortion

a. Compelling a woman to abortion through cheating or forcing is strictly illegal

and is prohibited.

b. Abortion is not allowed after identification of sex of the fetus.

c. Abortion is not allowed in any other case except in the condition or time as

mentioned in the law.

Risks of Unsafe Abortion

Nepal Government has made a legal provision for safe abortion. However, being

40 Health & Physical Education, Class-8