KOLLAM: Kerala has recorded an over 76% jump in abortion cases over a nine-year period, given the improved access to reproductive healthcare, according to data with the Health Management Information System (HMIS) portal.
The state reported 30,037 abortions in 2023-24, compared to 17,025 in 2014-15, marking a 76.43% increase. In the latest period, 21,282 abortions were conducted in private hospitals, while government hospitals accounted for only 8,755 cases, indicating a growing reliance on private healthcare facilities.
The data includes both spontaneous and induced abortions. In 2023-24, the state reported 20,179 induced abortions and 9,858 spontaneous abortions.
In 2014-15, abortion procedures were almost evenly split between public and private hospitals, with 8,324 and 8,701 cases respectively.
However, since 2015-16, private hospitals have consistently recorded a higher share of cases. From 2015-16 to 2024-25, Kerala reported a total of 1,97,782 abortion cases, of which only 67,004 were in government hospitals. Private hospitals accounted for 1,30,778 cases during this period.
The report also noted a steady rise in induced abortions over the period under under review, reflecting better access to reproductive healthcare.
Health experts, however, express concern over the increasing dependence on private hospitals and stress the need to strengthen the public health sector.
Speaking to TNIE, Dr Leema, senior gynaecologist at the Women and Children Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram, said more patients now prefer private institutions due to better facilities and enhanced privacy. “Medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) is a high-risk procedure,” said Leema.
‘It is high time govt invested in better infra’
“Under the MTP (Amendment) Act, 2021, the permissible abortion limit has been extended from 20 to 24 weeks. Most women seeking abortions today are aware of their rights. They trust private hospitals for better operational care, post-procedure support, and, importantly, privacy — something often lacking in government institutions. Women today don’t want to take risks with their lives and naturally lean towards private care,” she said.
Dr Pandu R, senior gynaecologist at Kannur MCH, said it is high time the government invested in better infrastructure to regain public trust.
“Government hospitals are usually overcrowded, making patients uncomfortable. Bureaucratic hurdles, such as the demand for a marriage certificate for abortion services, further discourage women. Such requirements are rare in private institutions. Reforms and infrastructure improvements are essential if we want people to depend on public healthcare,” he said.
Social scientists note that the rise in induced abortions is a sign of increased women’s empowerment. However, they caution that awareness about contraception and reproductive health needs to improve to prevent unwanted pregnancies.
“The increase in induced abortions is an indication that women are increasingly gaining control over their bodies. However, the rising rate also highlights gaps in awareness about contraception,” said Amrutha Rinu Abraham, senior faculty member at the department of sociology, CMS College, Kottayam.
Pvt hosps preferred
30,037 abortions in state in 2023-24, compared to 17,025 in 2014-15
21,282 abortions were conducted in private hospitals in 2023-24, while government hospitals accounted for only 8,755 cases