Voices of Thai physicians on abortion

Nongluk Boonthai, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand
Suwanna Warakamin
Viroj Tangcharoensathien, International Health Policy Program
Metee Pongkittilah, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand

The survey collected data among 3,324 physicians in Thailand in 2003, to study opinions on unsafe abortion and a draft Medical Regulation Regarding Pregnancy Termination. The samples said that unsafe abortion is a major health problem in Thailand. The law is not appropriate to the current social situation and advance of medical technologies. The draft regulation should clarify definition of “HEALTH” to include both physical and mental health of pregnant women. Termination of pregnancy could be performed by Obstetricians and Gynecologists or well-trained doctors at any week of gestation. A victim of rape or incest with police notification can access to safe and abortion without a court process. Pregnant women should also be allowed to have access to safe abortion if they have HIV/AIDS, German-Measles, severe handicaps/mental retardation, fetal disorder(s) or heredity disease(s). However, the doctors should have right to refuse to perform abortion services if they don’t want to do so.