MELBOURNE, May 1: Nepal’s abortion laws came under global scrutiny as rights advocates called for full decriminalization during the Women Deliver 2026 conference in Melbourne, held from April 27 to 30.
A Nepal-focused session on the final day spotlighted both the country’s progress and persistent gaps in sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). While speakers acknowledged Nepal’s relatively progressive legal framework, they warned that weak implementation and conflicting laws continue to put women at risk.
The session, jointly organized by the Forum for Women, Law and Development (FWLD), Women’s Rehabilitation Centre (WOREC) Nepal and One Heart Worldwide, explored legal provisions, social barriers, and urgent areas for reform.
FWLD advocate Sabin Shrestha said Nepal’s Constitution guarantees reproductive health as a fundamental right and that the Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Rights Act, 2018 is in force. However, he noted that the law falls short of addressing the full complexity of reproductive health needs.
Making abortion socially acceptable
He also pointed to contradictions within the legal system. “While safe abortion is recognized as a right, the National Penal Code criminalizes it under certain conditions,” he said.
This inconsistency has real consequences. More than 50 percent of abortions in Nepal are still unsafe, with some women facing legal risks and even punishment. Shrestha stressed that full decriminalization is crucial to ensuring safe and accessible services.
The session also raised concerns about obstetric violence. Citing a recent FWLD study, Shrestha highlighted various forms of mistreatment women face during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period, calling for clear legal definitions, accountability, and compensation mechanisms.
Speakers further flagged the absence of a comprehensive legal framework for assisted reproductive technologies (ART), leaving key questions around rights and responsibilities unresolved for service providers, intended parents, donors, and children.
Dr Renu Adhikari, founder of WOREC Nepal, acknowledged notable progress in SRHR over the past three decades but said patriarchal norms and social stigma remain deeply entrenched barriers. She called for sustained advocacy across all levels.
Surya Bhatta, CEO of the One Heart Worldwide, emphasized the need for safe and respectful maternity care, stressing the importance of dignified, quality services for women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.
Other speakers included Durga Sapkota, Binu Lama, Ichha KC and Amit Timilsina. The session was moderated by Alexandra Jones.
The takeaway was clear: legal reform alone is not enough. Without effective implementation, shifting social attitudes, and sustained global cooperation, Nepal’s reproductive rights commitments will remain largely on paper.
