Issues of Safe Abortions in Malaysia

Induced abortion is a serious public health concern as it poses high risk to the health (both mental and physical) and life of women. In 2008, unsafe abortion made up about half of an estimated 44 million induced abortions worldwide, ranging from a negligible proportion in eastern Asia to 65% in south central Asia (Sedgh et al, 2012). About 60% of women of childbearing age live in countries with liberal abortion laws. Yet, safe abortion services are not readily available because few doctors are trained to provide such services. Many doctors are unaware of laws pertaining to abortion (Singh et al., 2009, Sedgh et al., 2011).