Is abortion legal in Afghanistan under the Taliban?

No, abortion is illegal in Afghanistan and carries severe penalties, including imprisonment, under Taliban rule.

What risks do Afghan women face when seeking abortions?

Women face severe health risks, including hemorrhaging and organ damage, from dangerous home remedies and unregulated drugs, alongside the risk of legal repercussions.

Has the Taliban's return to power affected reproductive healthcare in Afghanistan?

Yes, the Taliban's return has led to increased scrutiny of medical facilities, restricted access to contraception, and a rise in clandestine abortions due to fear and illegality.

Home / Health / Afghanistan: Women Risk All for Abortions Amidst Taliban Rule

Afghanistan: Women Risk All for Abortions Amidst Taliban Rule

5 Dec

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Summary

Women resort to dangerous home remedies for abortions due to strict laws.
Doctors report increased miscarriages, suspecting concealed clandestine abortions.
Limited access to contraception exacerbates the crisis for Afghan women.

Afghanistan: Women Risk All for Abortions Amidst Taliban Rule

In Afghanistan, women are undertaking life-threatening measures to obtain abortions following the Taliban's return to power in 2021. The procedure is illegal, with severe penalties, pushing many to seek clandestine methods. Some women resort to dangerous herbal teas or toxic tablets purchased from markets, risking fatal hemorrhaging or organ damage.

Healthcare professionals are witnessing an increase in suspected clandestine abortions, often presenting as miscarriages. This trend, coupled with diminishing access to essential contraception, has intensified the reproductive health crisis. The UN reports that less than half of Afghan women can access modern birth control methods, exacerbating the situation in a country with already high mortality rates.