A Political Economy Approach to Understanding Abortion in Nepal Público

Abstract

This research explores the cultural and political factors influencing access to abortion in Nepal. Such factors range from foreign influence by means of external funding and foreign policies such as the U.S. Global Gag Rule, to prevailing cultural and religious Nepali norms that inform a spectrum of attitudes towards sexual practice, contraceptive use, and abortions. Methods for this study employed ethnographic practices in a virtual setting, through seven semi-structured interviews with Nepali individuals across time zones. Existing research fails to address possible explanations behind prevailing high rates of illegal abortions in Nepal despite a progressive legal environment. This study hence allows for a nuanced understanding on the issue of abortion and why legal access may still be difficult to achieve, in context of Nepal’s specific circumstances. Ultimately, through data analysis and investigation, we come to address the question: are legal status and affordability enough to ensure access to abortion in Nepal?

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Introduction to Abortion in Nepal………………………………………………….….1

1.    

Narrative Statement of

Personal Interest………………………………………………….1

2.    

Overview of Abortion

History…………………………………………………………….7

3.    

Women’s Rights and

Healthcare Infrastructure in Nepal………………………………..17

4.    

Nepal’s Financial

Dependence on Foreign Aid and NGO Support……………………...23

5.    

Outstanding Questions

and Existing Issues ……………………………………………..31

Chapter 2: Methodology…………………………………………………………………………42

1.    

Narrative Statement on

Research Process……………………………………………….42

2.    

Preparation, Data

Collection, and Data Analysis………………………………………..44

Chapter 3: Access to

Abortions………………………………………………………………….48

1.    

Occurrence of Abortion

Prevalence of Abortion Sites………………………………..…48

2.    

Demographic Impact on

Differential Access………………………………………….…51

3.    

Promotion of Abortion,

Contraceptive Use, and Family Planning………………………55

Chapter 4: Attitudes and

Judgement Regarding Abortions……………………………………...62

1.    

General Attitudes………………………………………………………………………...62

2.    

Culture and Tradition…………………………………………………………………….67

3.    

Contraceptive Usage……………………………………………………………………..73

4.    

Medical Providers……………………………………………………………………..…77

Chapter 5: Illegal Abortions……………………………………………………………………...81

1.    

What is Considered

“illegal”? …………………………………………………………...82

Chapter 6: Discussion……………………………………………………………………………89

1.    

Does Legality Ensure

Access? …………………………………………………………..89

Chapter 7: Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………....93

1.    

Statement of Conclusion…………………………………………………………………93

2.    

Limitations,

Implications, and Future Research…………………………………………93

Bibliography……………………………………………………………………………….…….95

About this Honors Thesis

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School	Emory College
Department	Anthropology
Degree	B.A.
Submission	Honors Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Health Sciences, Human Development Anthropology, Cultural Health Sciences, Public Health
Palavra-chave	Cultural Stigma Abortion Nepal International Development Foreign Aid
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Craig Hadley, Emory University
Committee Members	Jessica Ham, Emory University Kristin Phillips, Emory University

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