Following proposed regulations issued by the Public Health Ministry, Thailand will soon permit abortions up to the 20th week of pregnancy, as stated by a government official yesterday.
The regulations, which come into effect on October 26 and were published on Monday in the Royal Gazette, are set to relax the parameters of a law that had been in place since February of last year which authorised the termination of pregnancies throughout the first 12 weeks. The Criminal Code’s abortion restrictions were overturned by Thailand’s Constitutional Court in February 2020 after finding that they infringed women’s rights to equality, life, and freedom. Previously, abortion was punishable by either a fine of up to 10,000 baht or six months in prison, or both.In accordance with the new guidelines, individuals who wish to undergo an abortion between the 12th and 20th week must first counsel with and get permission from a licensed healthcare practitioner.
However they can arrange, by themselves, to have the operation performed at a healthcare facility anytime before the 12th week.In February 2021, the Criminal Code was amended in Thailand to make abortions during the first 12 weeks legal.
However, the termination of pregnancy is allowed if done to save the individual’s life or to protect their mental and physical state.Local organisations exist to support and advocate for reproductive health in Malaysia. RRAAM is one such organisation. Twelve groups and persons, including the Women’s Aid Organisation , the Joint Action Group for Gender Equality , and the Asia Safe Abortion Partnership, joined forces to create the RRRAM .