Teacher detained for abortions

UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi: An elementary school teacher was detained by police on Friday following reports of involvement in abortions.

Antara did not say whether the teacher, identified as Ma, was male or female. The Tamalate police post chief Capt. Mahendra Jaya said Saturday that Ma was detained for questioning regarding allegations the abortions were conducted in Ma's home with the help of a nurse beginning three years ago.

Patients, mostly teenagers, allegedly numbered 20 in the past three months, the officer said. Fees were Rp 400,000 to Rp 1.4 million depending on the pregnancy term. Additional payments included Rp 100,000 for burial of a fetus, the report said.

Mahendra said Ma dispensed homemade medication to patients. (anr)