Kathmandu, November 22, 2024 – A landmark event on the theme “Decriminalization of Abortion in Asia: Nepal’s Abortion Rights Journey and Lessons for the Region” was held in Kathmandu, organized by the Forum for Women, Law and Development (FWLD) and the Center for Reproductive Rights. The program featured the launch and screening of a documentary chronicling Nepal’s journey toward securing abortion rights, followed by a thought-provoking panel discussion.
The event, attended by over 100 participants from diverse sectors, including UN agencies, international NGOs, civil society organizations, lawyers, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) experts, and journalists, underscored Nepal’s pioneering role in advancing abortion rights in Asia.
Keynote Address and Panel Insights
Hon’ble Kalyan Shrestha, Former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Nepal, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the legal and societal transformation achieved in Nepal regarding abortion rights. The distinguished panel included:
Ms. Clara Rita “Claire” Padilla, Executive Director of EnGendeRights, Philippines,
Anubha Rastogi, Independent Lawyer and SRHR Expert, India,
Dr. Gauri Pradhan, Senior Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Family Welfare Division, Nepal, and
Advocate Sabin Shrestha, Executive Director, FWLD.
The discussion, moderated by Ms. Sadichha Shrestha, explored Nepal’s progressive abortion laws and how they could inspire policy changes across Asia, where decriminalization remains a challenge.
Program Highlights
Advocate Prabina Bajracharya opened the event with a welcome speech, outlining its objectives, while Advocate Nabin Kumar Shrestha delivered the vote of thanks. The program concluded with remarks by Ms. Enid Muthoni, Chief Program Officer at the Center for Reproductive Rights, who emphasized the importance of regional collaboration to advance SRHR.
The event spotlighted Nepal’s leadership in reproductive rights and called for broader advocacy to decriminalize abortion across Asia, ensuring access to safe and legal abortion for all.
