ISLAMABAD: As many as 66 women of reproductive age (15-49) per 1,000 had an induced abortion in 2023, leading to complications in at least 21-30 per cent of these women that showed serious gaps in care and safety.

Likewise, women living in rural areas are disproportionately exposed to such problems compared to their wealthier counterparts or those living in urban areas. About 17.3 per cent have reported an unmet need for family planning, contributing to a higher rate of unintended pregnancies, many of which can result in unsafe abortions. These are the findings of a study titled ‘Safeguarding Women’s Health: Trends, Inequities, and Opportunities in Pakistan’s Abortion and Post-Abortion Care Services’ launched on Wednesday.

The event unveiled findings from a national study by the Population Council, in partnership with the Guttmacher Institute, highlighting the state of women’s reproductive health in Pakistan, with a focus on abortion and post-abortion care.

On the occasion, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on National Health Services Dr Malik Mukhtar Ahmed Bharath said, “The government is fully committed to enhancing healthcare access, especially for women in marginalised and underserved regions. We are working towards a system where every woman can receive the healthcare she needs…free from stigma or fear.”

17.3pc women report unmet need for family planning; abortion-related complications declined to 11.7 per 1,000

Dr Malik emphasised that with maternal mortality at 186 deaths per 100,000 live births, the research underscored the need for comprehensive reforms in reproductive healthcare. He also stressed the importance of balancing population and resources, reaffirming the government’s commitment to achieving this through policies and improved access to family planning services.

The government plans to implement the report’s recommendations by investing in infrastructure, capacity building, and an enhanced referral system to improve emergency response capabilities, strengthening reproductive health services nationwide, he said.

The Women’s Health Study is the third in a series of national assessments following similar studies in 2002 and 2012. It comes at a pivotal time as Pakistan grapples with significant reproductive health challenges.

According to the study, the rate of abortion-related complications has declined from 13.9 per 1,000 women in 2012 to 11.7 per 1,000 in 2023, but significant inequities persisted.

The study is an eye-opener when the country’s intercensal population growth rate is recorded at 2.55pc per annum, with contraceptive use stagnating. Moreover, 17.3pc of women report an unmet need for family planning, contributing to high rates of unintended pregnancies, many of which result in unsafe abortions.

Dr Zeba Sathar, country director for the Population Council, emphasised the importance of the report. “Pakistan has made strides in improving healthcare, but this report reminds us that there is still much work to be done, especially in ensuring that women have access to family planning and safe reproductive health services.”

She emphasised women’s empowerment through access to family planning and safe healthcare services is fundamental to achieving broader social and economic goals, contributing to a more just and equitable society.

Speaking at the event, Thomas Dahl, deputy head of mission at the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Islamabad, expressed Norway’s support for the initiative. “This is an issue that impacts not just the health of women, but the overall well-being and development of society. Norway is proud to support efforts that improve access to reproductive health services in Pakistan.” The event featured an expert panel discussion on ‘Safeguarding Women’s Health in Pakistan’ moderated by Dr Luay Shabaneh, UNFPA country representative.

Published in Dawn, October 3rd, 2024