This episode explores the barriers faced by women who are pregnant before they turn single, either by widowhood or marital separation, or any other reason. This is the third episode of a series Matter of Choice, a series that explores how women face medical, legal and social barriers to abortions.

In this episode, Menaka Rao speaks with a woman whose husband died when she was pregnant, leaving her to make the tough choice. We discuss the legal precedents in relation to women who sought an abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy when they were either widowed or separated.

This episode was supported by the Pulitzer Centre.

References

X vs. Principal Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department, Govt. of NCT of Delhi and Another

Woman asks to terminate 22-week pregnancy as she wants divorce, Delhi HC seeks medical report

Mrs B vs Union of India Oct 2023

R vs Union of India 23 JANUARY, 2024

Poonam Sharma vs Union Of India on 9 October, 2023

Human rights including a supportive framework of law and policy (1.3.1) - Abortion care guideline

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This is the second episode of a series Matter of Choice, a series that explores how women face medical, legal and social barriers to abortions. This episode is based in Delhi where despite facilities, women are given a run-around for abortions. In this episode, Menaka Rao speaks to three women who had a hard time seeking abortion in the country’s capital. These women were either treated with disrespect, or asked for very hefty fees in the private sector, often with very little assurance that the provider will provide abortion. Menaka speaks to these women at the non-profit Parivar Seva Sanstha which provides them with safe, affordable abortion care. The NGO has clinics in 11 states of India, including Delhi. Menaka also speaks with Neelam Rao who runs its clinics in Delhi.

This podcast is supported by Pulitzer Centre

References

Parivar Seva Sanstha

https://nhm.gov.in/images/pdf/programmes/maternal-health/guidelines/CAC_Training_&_Service_Guidelines_2023.pdf

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Abortion is legal in India with certain conditions. But it is hard to access in many parts of the country, especially in rural India. An estimated eight women die everyday from abortions in India. This series called - Matter of Choice- will explore how women face medical, legal and social barriers to abortion.

In this first episode, Menaka Rao goes to villages in Azamgarh where women have little or no options for legal abortions. Blind alley abortions are common, with unqualified doctors or quacks offering abortion, putting the women’s lives at risk. What is it like to undergo such a risky abortion procedure? Menaka speaks with three women who underwent these procedures and hears their stories.

This podcast was supported by the Pulitzer Center

If you want to listen to the voices of the women in Hindi, here is the link

Show notes

Gramin Punarnirman Sansthan
Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Act of 2021
Abortion: Safety
Clinical practice handbook for quality abortion care
https://prsindia.org/files/bills_acts/bills_parliament/2020/Medical%20Termination%20of%20Pregnancy%20(Amendment)%20Rules,%202021.pdf
The incidence of abortion and unintended pregnancy in India, 2015 - The Lancet Global Health

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