Sindh, the second largest province in Pakistan, is setting up a Population Council for the purpose of implementing a population control programme. Among the concerns voiced by supporters of the plan is that most people are reluctant to adopt contraception, and that many medical professionals object to abortion for religious reasons. The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Pakistan (SOGP) organized a seminar on abortion, during which a spokesman for the Society stated that abortion is “purely a health issue and must not be confused with religion and culture.” The assertion was inconsistent with a statement made at the conference that Islamic scholars permit abortion during the first 16 weeks of pregnancy. This at least implies some religious opposition to abortion after 16 weeks, and that the procedure is not “purely” a health issue. [Indo-Asian News Service; Pakistan Today]
The development of a state population control programme with a view to overcoming resistance to contraception and abortion among the population and medical professionals warrants the continuing attention of those concerned to protect freedom of conscience in health care.