Panchkhal, December 19:

An increasing number of unmarried teenage girls are visiting the Panchkhal (Kavre)-based Family Health Centre for abortion.

Among others, incest victims and rape victims visit the centre for abortion.

In-charge of the centre Yashoda Nepal says the number of unmarried abortion seekers is increasing. College students visit the centre for abortion without hesitation. But the girls

in their early teens show discomfort, says physician Ghanashyam Ghimire. Most of those seeking abortion are accompanied by lovers, sisters-in-law or mothers.

According to records kept at the centre, nine unmarried teenage girls have undergone abortion as of November 2007. Nepal said 374 opted for abortion in the past 11 months.

Compared to last year, the number of abortion seekers has doubled.

Of those who opted for abortion, 69 fell in the age group of 15 to 19 years, 27 in the age group of 20 to 24 years, while 69 were above 25 years of age. Most of the abortion seekers are from Kavre, Sindhupalchowk and Bhaktapur.

The centre got the licence to carry out abortion for up to 12-week-old pregnancy cases three years ago.

In-charge Nepal says, “At other places, illegal abortions are carried out once hefty payments are made. Here, rule applies and nothing else,” she says. The centre charges Rs 1,000 for abortion.