Abortions down 40% in city

Teen pregnancies down too, docs attribute it to increased awareness

MUMBAI: While the state government tries to make up its mind on introducing sex education in schools, teenagers in the city seem to have learnt their lessons.
The latest statistics compiled by the BMC show a sharp decline in the number of medically terminated pregnancies (MTP) last year.

Numbers collated from 770 centres performing abortions across the city reveal that MTPs are down from 23,312 in 2006-07 to 13,813 in 2007-08 (Figures are for March to March). They include private hospitals and nursing homes too. The rate of teenage pregnancies in Maharashtra is about 13% against the national rate of 16%.

Experts and doctors attribute the 40% decline in abortions largely to rising awareness about contraception and knowledge about safe-sex techniques among women in general and teenagers in particular.

BMC’s deputy executive health officer Dr Neera Kewalramani says though exact statistics about teenagers are not available, they form a significant part.

But several gynaecologists DNA spoke to said they were not surprised. They say that while youngsters are increasingly open to casual sex, they are also aware of the possible complications.

“Earlier, girls came to us assuming they were pregnant,” says Dr Pratima Chippalkatti, gynaecologist at Bombay Hospital, adding, “Now they use home pregnancy kits and then come to us.”

Some doctors say women are also seeking help early. “They used to come for an abortion when they were 8-10 weeks pregnant, now most get it done at 4-5 weeks,” says Dr Jaideep Tank, chairman, Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India.

Tank says this is a major shift and bodes well for the health of the woman as well.

Emergency contraception is another major factor in eliminating unwanted pregnancies.

“It’s scary, but emergency pills have become routine,” says Dr Ashwini Bhalerao-Gandhi, consultant gynaecologist at PD Hinduja Hospital. “The easy availability of pregnancy termination drugs has also made things easier for youngsters.”

Dr Asha Advani of the BMC’s reproductive health department sounds a warning note, saying the civic body’s figures may not be completely accurate. The number of abortions may be much higher, she says. “Even unregistered general practitioners give abortion pills,” she adds, strongly calling for a ban on over-the-counter sale of abortion pills and emergency contraception. “It encourages irresponsible behaviour,” she says.