Issue 38, published on June 2009.

Reducing Maternal Morbidity and Mortality through Preventing Unwanted Pregnancies and Eliminating Unsafe Abortions

We have the knowledge and the means to prevent most maternal deaths in Cambodia and yet pregnancy and delivery remains the most dangerous period in any woman’s life. The loss of a mother has consequences that
reach far beyond the immediate death. Preventing maternal deaths and illnesses has significant benefits on household income, household expenditures, the chance of survival of young children and their future educational achievements.

Reduction of maternal mortality is a priority of the Ministry of Health and it constitutes one of the main areas of the National Health Sector Plan. Deaths and complications from unsafe abortions continue to be a serious publichealth
problem that affects women, men, children and entire communities in Cambodia. Contraception use remains too low and many women are trapped in a dangerous cycle of repeated unwanted pregnancy and unsafe, often illegal abortion. They risk their lives attempting to end their pregnancy themselves, or with the help of TBAs, untrained providers or pharmacists.

When talking about women’s reproductive health, we shouldn’t forget the large group of young and unmarried girls who are put at particularly high risk if services are denied them. Family planning and safe abortion services must be specifically tailored to their needs.

National and international NGOs, such as Options, Marie Stopes International, RHAC and RACHA support the efforts of the Ministry of Health through the provision of competency based training, safe comprehensive abortion care, family planning and counselling. The Ministry of Health welcomes and appreciates their work.

Abortion is a sensitive topic in all societies. This issue of Health Messenger is not about promoting abortion - its aim is to highlight the importance and means of saving Cambodian women’s lives through the prevention and safe termination of unwanted pregnancies. We have good and modern legislation on abortion in Cambodia, but most women do not have access to safe abortions today. It is my hope that, by spreading information about safe methods we can increase knowledge and understanding of issues relating to women’s health and that they will lead to improved practices.

Better and more equitable access to quality family planning and abortion services are essential for reducing maternal mortality in our country.

Dr. Tung Rathavy
Manager
National Reproductive Health Program
Ministry of Health