Abstract
Abortion is legally permitted in Sri Lanka, only if it is performed to save the mother’s life. However, it is estimated that a large number of induced abortions take place in Sri Lanka. Knowledge and attitudes towards induced abortion in the society are key issues influencing the policy response towards changes in the law. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes of adults towards induced abortion in Sri Lanka. Six Grama Niladhari Divisions (GNDs) and five to eight housing clusters from each GND were selected from Thimbirigasyaya Divisional Secretariat Division using multi stage stratified random sampling. Fifty households were systematically selected from each GND. An interview was scheduled among 743 residents aged between 19 to 49 years of age after receiving written informed consent. Only 11% of the respondents knew the situations in which abortion was legal in Sri Lanka. Approximately one tenth of the respondents (11%) did not agree with the current law which allows an induced abortion only to save the life of the mother. However, a majority agreed to legalization of abortion for rape (65%), incest (55%) and pregnancies with lethal fetal abnormalities (53%). Less than one tenth of respondents agreed with legalisation of induced abortion for other reasons such as con-traceptive failure (6%), poor economic conditions (7%) and, on request (4%). Although the society rejects abortion on request majority are in favour of allowing abortions for rape, incest and fetuses with lethal abnormalities.
Highlights
Introduction Abortion is legally permitted inSri Lanka, only if it is performed to save the mother’s life
Only 11% of the respondents knew the situations in which abortion was legal in Sri Lanka
One tenth of the respondents (11%) did not agree with the current law which allows an induced abortion only to save the life of the mother
Summary
Sri Lanka, only if it is performed to save the mother’s life. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes of adults towards induced abortion in Sri Lanka. Abortion is permitted in Sri Lanka only if it is performed to save the mother’s life [1,2]. As Sri Lanka has a very restrictive law on abortion and a strict law enforcement mechanism, women avoid giving information regarding undergoing abortions and it is difficult to determine the prevalence rate for illegal abortions. A study undertaken in 1990s estimated that 125,000 to 175,000 abortions, mostly illegal, are performed a year [4]. Another study conducted in 2000 estimated a much higher rate of 658 induced abortions per day amounting to 240,170 per year, giving an abortion ratio of 741 per 1000 live births [5]. A later study applying Bongarts’ model showed an increased rate of induced abortions from 0.035 per woman in 1993 to 0.087 per woman in 2007 [6]
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