Dr. Wachira Pengchan, Director-General of the Department of Health, revealed that unsafe abortion is a significant global public health issue and a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. The World Health Organization estimates that each year, approximately 46 million people worldwide undergo abortions, of which 20 million are unsafe, resulting in 70,000 women dying annually. Of these deaths, 95% occur in developing countries, including Thailand. However, there is still no clear data on pregnancy termination because many unprepared pregnant women cannot access safe and legal services, leading them to seek illegal abortions or purchase abortion pills online.
The Department of Health, in collaboration with the Faculty of Medicine at Chulalongkorn University, Siriraj Hospital, Ramathibodi Hospital, Khon Kaen University, and Prince of Songkla University, with support from the Concept Foundation and the World Health Organization, has conducted research on the medical abortion service system. Subsequently, the medication was registered in 2014 and included in the national essential drug list for use in legal and regulated pregnancy termination services. For over 60 years, Thai law has allowed women to terminate pregnancies, provided the service is performed by a licensed medical practitioner in cases where the pregnant woman has physical or mental health issues, or in cases of rape, prostitution involving minors under 15, whether consensual or not, or indecent deception. However, there are still very few facilities offering safe services.
Therefore, the Department of Health has promoted the establishment of the Referral System for Safe Abortion (RSA) network to improve access to services for adolescents and women with unplanned pregnancies. Those facing such issues can call the unplanned pregnancy consultation hotline at 1663 to receive counseling and referral services, regardless of whether the choice is to continue the pregnancy or terminate it, as well as access to effective contraception services.
Source: https://www.hiso.or.th/hiso5/healthy/news.php?names=12&news_id=9738