Comments on abortion<\/p>\n
From Kompas<\/p>\n
Government officials' comments on abortion are confusing and
\nmarked by mutual reproach. The police complain that the
\nIndonesian Medical Association (IDI) should have informed them
\nabout doctors and clinics practicing abortion.<\/p>\n
An IDI member stated that he did not agree with abortion but
\nhe had not reported any cases to the police. Somebody else said
\nthat the act of terminating pregnancy was in violation of the
\nmedical code of ethics.<\/p>\n
The complaint voiced by the police sounds naive because
\ndoctors and clinics practicing abortion are a public secret. The
\nmedia often add names to their reports on such practices. Follow-
\nup measures were never heard of.<\/p>\n
If an IDI member thinks abortion practices are criminal, he or
\nshe should report them to the police. I knew about them but did
\nnot report them either because I do not think all abortions are
\ncriminal. There are cases requiring abortion. It would be better
\nto have it done by a professional for the mother's safety.<\/p>\n
In the Indonesian medical code of ethics no mention is made of
\nprohibition on abortion. Moreover in the medical profession
\nabortion is recognized if it is done to save the mother's life.<\/p>\n
It is as if all officials like to be seen as saviors of the
\nnation's morals by condemning abortion, while until now there has
\nbeen no uniform criterion on abortion, neither legally nor
\nmedically.<\/p>\n
The late Mother Teresa was consistent as a Catholic and did
\nnot approve of abortion but she did not condemn it. If there was
\na woman with an unwanted pregnancy, she would say: "Come to me. I
\nwill take care of her until the baby is born. And I will also
\ncare for the baby if the parents do not want it." Mother Teresa
\napproached the abortion problem with love, not with condemnation.<\/p>\n
In Malaysia where the state religion is Islam, a 1986 law says
\nthat an abortion for the mother's health, as a result of rape or
\nincest, can be carried out in a clinic and with a qualified
\ndoctor. This is to reduce the maternal mortality rate and the
\nrisk of severe physical impairment due to the illegal practice of
\nabortion. The World Health Organization defines health as being
\nnot only physical but mental and social as well.<\/p>\n
In 1994 Indonesia signed the Cairo Declaration that says: "...
\ndetermined to eradicate illegal practices of abortion endangering
\nwomen's health."<\/p>\n
What else have we done except condemning? Is there somebody
\nwishing to become a Mother Teresa? Or is there courage to be like
\nMalaysia?<\/p>\n
Let us stop the mass hypocrisy in this country.<\/p>\n
KARTONO MOHAMAD<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/comments-on-abortion-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }