Doctors say over 1000 foetuses are removed a day in Colombo

Dr L.A.W Sirisena, obstetrician and gynaecologist, told BBC Sandeshaya that the rate of abortions in Sri Lanka, where the practice is illegal, is escalating at an alarming rate.

“In Colombo alone there are about 1000 abortions daily and there is the threat of women being killed as non-professionals are carrying them out," Dr. Sirisena told bbcsinhala.com.

Social taboo

“There is no question of legalising the abortion as this is not the main concern. The main thing is the social taboo. Many don’t like to be open about it,” he added.

there is the threat of women being killed as non-professionals are carrying them out Dr. L.A.W Sirisena

Asked whether the women having abortions were mainly unmarried, Dr. Sirisena disagreed.

“Only four percent are unmarried, the rest are married women”.

BBC Sinhala questioned Dr. Sirisena, who recently gave a presentation on abortion at the World Population Day, what he felt the way forward was with dealing with illegal abortions.

“Women need to be educated and such campaigns should be promoted," he said.