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→Laws & Social Stigmas
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===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ||
In Bahrain, abortion is technically | In Bahrain, abortion is technically legal and available upon request, according to the Penal Code of 20 March 1976.<ref>[https://www.unodc.org/res/cld/document/bhr/1976/bahrain_penal_code_html/Bahrain_Penal_Code_1976.pdf Bahrain Penal Code, 1976]</ref> This means that all reasons for abortion are technically permitted. However, the reality of abortion availability is a bit more complicated. For an abortion to be legally permitted, a panel of physicians must approve of the abortion. Furthermore, only a licensed physician may perform the abortion.<ref>[http://www.un.org/esa/population/publications/abortion/profiles.htm Abortion Policies, A Global Review - Bahrain (United Nations Report]</ref> If someone receives an abortion without the advice and assistance of a doctor, they may receive a 6-month jail term or a fine of up to BD 50.<ref>[https://www.unodc.org/res/cld/document/bhr/1976/bahrain_penal_code_html/Bahrain_Penal_Code_1976.pdf Bahrain Penal Code, 1976]</ref> | ||
While abortion is legal in Bahrain, | While abortion is legal in Bahrain, it is not very common. It's reportedly much more common for women to seek out underground abortions or to seek out abortions overseas. This is due to multiple factors. For one, women must have their abortion approved by a panel of physicians in Bahrain. Locals report that panels rarely grant abortions, and when they do, it's usually because the pregnancy endangers the life of the woman. In other words, it is extremely rare for a woman to seek out a legal abortion for a non-medical reason and be granted abortion services. Furthermore, there are social stigmas, community pressures, and shame related to abortions and premarital sex in Bahrain. As a result, people may receive abortions from clandestine providers or purchase "abortion pills," which are seen as more private and confidential. However, it should be noted that these"abortion pills" are sometimes pills for gastric ulcers, sold on the black market.<ref>[http://www.tradearabia.com/news/HEAL_175194.html Bahrain women in high-risk abortions]</ref> These tactics can be risky, since they are unregulated, and may lead to health issues. Furthermore, the distributors of "abortion pills" and providers of clandestine abortions may not be properly trained or informed regarding medical procedures. Finally, there are also women who seek out abortions overseas, where they can be provided with medical care outside of Bahrain. | ||
For more information: | For more information: | ||