Law enforcement needed to halt illegal abortions
JAKARTA (JP): Experts and scholars called on the government yesterday to punish doctors and patients, who are involved in illegal abortion practices, to the full extent of the existing laws.
Senior gynecologists Enud Jaya Suryana and Yusnizaf from Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, and forensic expert Agus Purwadianto -- all from the University of Indonesia -- said legal enforcement would serve as a warning to others, particularly doctors.
Speaking at a symposium on abortion yesterday, the men questioned why law enforcers had failed to impose the existing laws, such as the Criminal Code and Health Law No. 23/1992.
"Have there been any doctors (who performed illegal abortions) sent to jail? None so far! But, if they are locked up, maybe the others will be discouraged from following suit," Yusnizaf said.
"Have there been any people, who asked for an (illegal) abortion, serve time in prison?"
"There's no other way to stop these practices unless the law is exercised."
Under the Criminal Code, abortion is strictly prohibited.
Chapter one of Article 80 of the Health Law stipulates a maximum of 15 years in jail and a Rp 500 million fine for those performing illegal abortions.
Article 15 of the same law allows abortions to be carried out only under certain medical situations, following a recommendation from a medical practitioner and approval by either the pregnant woman, her husband or her family.
Yusnizaf, who is also a lecturer at the university's School of Medicine, said doctors and the public should assist police and judges in ensuring the laws are enforced.
His colleague, Enud, suggested medical recommendations for abortions only be issued by doctors who have nothing to do with abortion practices.
And the doctors should be those aligned with state-owned Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, the well-known gynecologist told the symposium.
Enud, also a senior lecturer at the university, called on the government to set up an independent body to deliberate on medical recommendations made outside the hospitals' authority.
"The body, whose members might include people from various professional backgrounds, apart from doctors and gynecologists, should be able to give advice to the government (on the medical recommendation)."
Outcry
Agus said the realization of legal enforcement against people involved in illegal abortions was badly needed.
Enforcement will curb corruption and collusion practices between gynecologists and clients who request illegal abortions.
The issue of illegal abortion practices sparked a public outcry late last year after dozens of fetuses and dead babies were found dumped at several sites in North and Central Jakarta.
Police have arrested and questioned several doctors, nurses and suspected mothers but so far none of them have been brought to court.
During the meeting, Enud disclosed that medical students learned how to perform abortions during a specialist gynecology class held by Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital.
But some students later used the technique to perform illegal abortions for high prices, he said.
"Those who showed no interest in performing illegal abortions were even threatened (by certain people) with the possibility of failing the class," he alleged, giving no details.
"Some decided to work the night shift in 24-hour clinics to earn extra money.
"In that case, tutors were no longer on hand to supervise them."
The abortion class sometimes took place at the Raden Saleh clinic in Central Jakarta, he said. The clinic has since been labeled an alleged haven for women seeking abortions. (09)