Charmila Ayyavoo
BACKGROUND The aim of the study was to evaluate if service providers are unsupportive of second trimester abortions in young girls. MATERIALS AND METHODS Questionnaires were answered by 766 obstetricians from 24 obstetric and gynaecology societies in India. Homogenous stratified random sampling was done. Frequencies were analysed. The duration of the study was from 2015-2016. RESULTS 55.5% accepted to render abortion services. 81.3% were willing to refer. 82.2% wanted age proof; 86.4% wanted guardian proof; 66.8 wanted the girl’s consent; 60% had no moral objection and 46.7% were aware about the laws governing abortions. Medical methods of termination were chosen by 91.3% and post abortion services were offered by 91.9%. CONCLUSION Service providers were wary about the procedure for young girls. Significant proportion of service providers were less aware about the legal issues involved in the procedure. The suggestions offered by the study are that there should be no ambiguities in the laws and there should be clarity for the service provider to provide the service without fear.
