What Is Safe Abortion? A Complete Guide for Women’s Health

Last updated on January 13th, 2025 at 10:49 am
Have you ever thought about what a safe abortion is? A safe abortion is when a pregnancy is ended in a way that protects a woman’s health. Trained and qualified professionals/gynecologists carry out this process using WHO-approved methods, so there are no serious risks.
Around the world, about 73 million abortions happen every year, but access and laws about abortion differ from country to country. In Nepal, about 100,000 women get legal abortions every year, but the actual number might be higher because some cases go unreported.
Looking at these stats, understanding safe pregnancy termination becomes an essential topic for any woman’s health.
Definition of Safe Abortion
Safe abortion means ending a pregnancy using approved medical methods done by trained health professionals. The World Health Organization (WHO) says such pregnancy termination should be done in a way that reduces risks and complications.
Why Safe Abortion Is Important?
Safe pregnancy termination is essential as it helps prevent serious health risks, gives women the freedom to make informed choices, and improves overall public health.

Here’s a detailed explanation of why it is important.
Health Protection: Safe abortion helps prevent serious health risks and deaths caused by unsafe procedures. It always ensures women receive proper care during and after the process, significantly reducing maternity deaths.
Women’s Rights: It allows women to make informed decisions about their bodies and reproductive health, respecting their right to choose what is best for them.
Protects Victims of Violence: It empowers survivors of violence (for instance, rape) to make choices that support their well-being and recovery.
Gives Financial Stability: Access to safe pregnancy termination enables women and families to plan their futures with confidence and achieve greater financial security.
Reduces Unsafe Practices: The availability of safe abortion also ensures women have access to safe and reliable care, reducing unsafe practices.
Safe Abortion Law in Nepal
Safe abortion became legal in Nepal in 2002 with specific rules:
- Up to 12 weeks of gestation for any reason.
- Up to 18 weeks if it is due to rape or incest.
- At any time, if the pregnancy risks the woman’s health or life or if there are serious issues with the baby. Additionally, the 2018 Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Act further strengthens women’s right to safe abortion services.
Safe Abortion Methods Available in Nepal
In Nepal, there are two main methods for having a safe abortion: Medical and Surgical.
Ending a pregnancy safely:
- Medical Abortion: This uses medicines like mifepristone and misoprostol to stop the pregnancy.
- Surgical Abortion: It is done using a small procedure, such as manual vacuum aspiration (MVA).
Both methods are safe when done with the help of trained health professionals.
Where Is a Safe Abortion Service in Kathmandu?
Need a Safe Abortion? We’re Here to Help at Clinic One
At Clinic One, we provide confidential and safe abortion services in Kathmandu, Nepal, with professional care. Our team is ready to support you through every step of the process, ensuring you feel comfortable.
Get in touch today for a private consultation and learn about your safe pregnancy termination in Kathmandu.
Make AppointmentHow to Get a Safe Pregnancy Termination?
Women in Nepal can get safe abortion services at approved health facilities like Clinic One. These services include:
- Pre- and Post-Abortion Counseling: Guidance before and after the procedure
- Medical or Surgical Procedures: Based on the stage of pregnancy
- Follow-Up Care: To ensure a full recovery after the pregnancy termination
Women over 16 can get an abortion without any documentation as long as it is within the legal time limits.
Statistics on Abortion In the Context of Nepal
Before 2002, abortion in Nepal was highly restricted, where unsafe pregnancy termination was a common practice. This led to high maternal rates; hence, the government of Nepal legalized abortion in 2002.
Between 2004 and 2014, over 500,000 women had abortions, yet only 42% were legal. In 2016, about 62% of unplanned pregnancies in Nepal ended in abortion, but many were unsafe due to a lack of proper services.
In 2021, the total incidence of induced abortions in Nepal was estimated at 333,343, with only 48% provided by legal sites. By 2022, nearly half of all pregnancies in Nepal were unintended, with approximately two-thirds of these pregnancies ending in abortion.
Recently, efforts to improve access to safe abortion services have been ongoing; however, awareness among the population remained low. Surveys revealed that only 19.2% of health facilities in the country provided abortion care services, highlighting gaps in availability and accessibility.
Conclusion
Safe abortion, done by trained professionals, helps protect women’s health by reducing risks and giving them choices. Nepal has made progress in providing these services, but there are still problems like limited access, low awareness, and unsafe methods. For this, Nepal needs better healthcare, education, and policies to keep women safe and healthy.
For those seeking safe abortion services in Kathmandu, Clinic One offers professional care in a supportive environment. With trained experts and WHO-approved methods, we are dedicated to providing legal, safe, and confidential abortion services to safeguard your health and well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is medical abortion safe?
Yes, medical abortion is safe when conducted according to medical guidelines and under professional supervision.
Till which month abortion is safe?
In Nepal, abortion is legal for up to 12 weeks on any grounds and up to 28 weeks in specific circumstances such as rape or health risks.
How much does it cost to get an abortion?
In Nepal, safe abortion services are typically provided free of charge at government facilities.
How to abort a pregnancy at home?
Do not attempt an abortion at home without medical supervision because it is unsafe. Always have the guidance of a healthcare provider for a medical abortion.
Does abortion have side effects?
Like any medical procedure, abortions can have side effects, including cramping, bleeding, or infection. However, these risks are significantly lower when qualified professionals perform the procedure safely.
How long is the surgical abortion procedure?
The surgical abortion procedure typically lasts about 10 to 15 minutes, although the total time at the clinic may be longer due to pre and post-procedure care.
How long does it bleed after taking an abortion pill?
After taking an abortion pill, bleeding can vary significantly; some may experience light spotting, while others might have heavier bleeding for a few days, with faint spotting continuing for up to four weeks.