Unsafe abortions rife among female drug users

Kathmandu, June 20

Most of the female drug users are well aware of sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancy, yet they are reluctant to use contraceptives. This has given rise to unsafe abortions.

Nineteen-year-old Isha (name changed) started taking drugs when she was 14. She had physical relations with her boyfriend who was also an addict. They did not use any contraceptives. She came to know about her pregnancy after six months. She had a premature delivery in the sixth month and the baby did not survive. She shared felt neglected by her family members.

Durga (name changed), 22, of Butwal confessed that she had to go for abortion twice due to unsafe sex.

“I left school while studying in Grade X and began to work in a dance bar. While working in the bar I started doing drugs to overcome my inhibitions. Now she regrets not using contraceptives as she has developed health complications due to unsafe abortions.

There were more than 3,000 female drug users in the country in 2012, as per government records. The number has now gone up to 6,000, said Shruti Gurung, an activist.

Gurung informed that most of the female drug users show no safety concern while having sex with their partner. She added, “It’s high time the government introduced sex education for teenagers and there should be awareness campaigns.”