Illegal abortions, main cause of maternal deaths

Nadira Gunatilleke

Sri Lanka is the only country in Asia where all child births take place in hospitals. Annually around 400,000 child births are recorded in Sri Lanka.

The main cause of maternal deaths in Sri Lanka are illegal abortions, a Health Ministry spokesman said yesterday.

The spokesman said the College of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians has extended their support to make available the services of a qualified gynaecologist/obstetrician in every state hospital to strengthen and upgrade services available for pregnant mothers.

“Medical officers attached to rural hospital assist in deliveries at present,” he said.

“The main objective of this is to minimize complications during delivery and prevent maternal deaths and side effects. The doctors will offer advice on family planning from 8am to 4pm in every main state hospital which will assist to minimize illegal abortions.

Even legally married women resort to illegal abortions when they experience unwanted pregnancies,” he said.

Maternal health care in all state hospitals will be strengthened and upgraded on a request made by Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena.

A discussion was held at the Health Ministry in connection with this.

Health Ministry Secretary Dr Ravindra Ruberu, ministry Additional Secretary Dr Palitha Mahipala and Health Services Director General Dr Ajith Mendis participated in the discussion.