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Abortion Laws in Nepal

Is abortion legal in Nepal?

Abortion has been legal in Nepal since 2002 under the 11th Amendment to the Civil Code.

What are the different abortion services available in Nepal?

Nepal provides both medical as well as surgical abortion services. For medical abortion (MA), a combination of two drugs, Mifepristone and Misoprostol is used. Surgical procedures that are available are Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA) and Dilation and Evacuation (D&E).

  • Medical Abortion (MA) for pregnancies up to 9 weeks
  • Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA) for pregnancies up to 12 weeks
  • Dilation and Evacuation (D&E) for pregnancies beyond 12 weeks (in case of rape and incest)

Who can perform abortion services in Nepal?

Only health service providers (doctors, nurses and auxiliary nurse midwives) who have undergone government-approved training to be certified are allowed to provide legal abortion services at certified health facilities or Safe Abortion Service (SAS) centers. Abortion services must be provided under the following conditions:

  • Within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy for any woman on her request. The permission of husband or guardian is not required for women above 16 years of age
  • Within the first 18 weeks of pregnancy in cases of rape and incest
  • At any time if the pregnancy poses danger to the life or physical or mental health of the pregnant woman or the fetus is seriously deformed and it is recommended by a doctor

Where can I go for abortion services in Nepal?

As of November 2016, abortion services are available in all 75 districts of Nepal. Of the 962 certified SAS centers, 693 are public, 157 are private and 112 are NGO operated.

What is the cost of an abortion in Nepal?

At government or public SAS health facilities, all abortion services are free.

What are the legal and safe drugs available?

Currently there are four legal and certified safe abortion pills in the form of combination packs of mifepristone and misoprostol.

Can I buy abortion pills at a pharmacy?

Certified pharmacist can only dispense abortion pills if there is a valid prescription or order slip provided by a certified doctor or health provider.

Who can I contact for additional abortion information and support in Nepal?

There are several helplines available in Nepal that answer your queries as well guide you to SAS centers. They are as follows:

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