Abortion in Malaysia is legal, but only allowed under very strict circumstances, like if the mother’s life is in danger.
The rise in Zika cases has prompted a debate between the government and muslim clerics on whether to allow abortion if the mother is infected. While the religious head (or mufti) say it’s okay, the government says no. Under the section 312 of the Malaysian Penal Code, illegal abortion can result in imprisonment of up to 7 years.
Our minister of health, Dr Subramaniam has said that only about 1-5 percent of those with a Zika infection may end up delivering babies with disabilities.
“That means more than 90 percent will be all right. That is why it is important to follow the doctor’s advice,” he said.
A study conducted on 12,000 pregnant Colombian women infected with Zika revealed that none of them gave birth to a baby with microcephaly. This shows that just because you’re infected with Zika, doesn’t mean your baby will be born with disabilities. But, there’s always a chance.
Microcephaly is condition where the baby’s head is smaller than usual, supposedly caused by Zika. Babies with microcephaly have a shorter life expectancy and slow brain function, and this could put a strain on the parents, mentally and financially. And is Malaysia equipped to provide support to the parents with babies who have microcephaly?
According to Malaysian Medical Association president Dr Ashok Philip, Malaysia is not ready.
“As a society, we must seriously consider whether to liberalise abortion in Malaysia or provide more social support to women and their families if the foetus is found to be abnormal,” he added.
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