by Kamal Bista
Despite legal progress, many women still face social, financial and geographic barriers to accessing safe abortion services.
Nepal legalized abortion under certain conditions in 2002 through the 11th amendment to the Country Code, 1963. The Constitution later recognized safe motherhood and reproductive health as fundamental rights, while the Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Rights Act, 2018 established a broader legal framework for access to safe abortion. Despite these advances, barriers such as limited information, cost, distance, stigma, confidentiality concerns and a shortage of certified providers continue to restrict access, particularly in rural and remote areas. A 2022 study by the Family Welfare Division (FWD) and Ipas Nepal found that around 52 percent of abortions in Nepal are unsafe.
As Nepal observes its 12th National Safe Abortion Day today, Kamal Bista of Republica Daily spoke with Forum for Women, Law and Development (FWLD) Executive Director Sabin Shrestha about progress in safe abortion services, remaining barriers and reforms needed to expand access. Established in 1995, FWLD is a Nepal-based organization working on women’s rights and legal reform.
SOURCE: My Republica Nagarika Network, 25 September 2026.