SHAH ALAM - Malaysia is progressive in terms of laws and good for woman here, says activist.
For Youth Initiative Kuala Lumpur Reproductive Rights Activist Fara Rom said compared to United States, Malaysia was progressive but needed to tackle the issue of misinformation in the medical professionals.
"Technically we don't have a clause in Penal Code that says if you are a victim of rape or incest you are allowed to terminate pregnancy or abortion.
"But in Section 312, it is allowed to protect the well-being of mental health, physical, indirectly it is a part of it but just we dont have a specific clause.
"Some countries have it just to protect (the woman) such as Bangladesh, they have a menstrual regulation, and it is a different process," she said during Sinar Daily's live show Relatable: Abortion In Malaysia yesterday.
Fara said it's stamped from the case in Bangladesh where a woman was raped by the army during the war inacted this law to protect women.
She said the law does not use the term abortion per say but make it a regulation to ensure women were protected, safe and healthy.
She also said the law should be defined as it would help with the stigma around.
"Defining the law would definitely help since the survivors are going through a lot.
"There should be a system clause saying that they don't have the dilemma to go and seek the abortion services because they know the clause is there to protect them," she said when asked on her opinion to define the law.
Commenting further, Fara said Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights should not discriminate anyone regardless their economic and religious background.
She said everyone should have the access to the services, education and information.
"We should approach with emphathy especially when dealing with abortion.
"Our initiative is to bring in women out there in Malaysia who have dealt with abortion to share their stories. "There are many stories which are not being told and some people need the channel to talk about safe abortion.
"This goes to medical practitioners, when you have empathy you give the best solution for your clients to support and help them in achieving their best well-being or health," she said.
The discussion on Abortion in Malaysia was moderated by Izza Izelan and participated by obstetrician and gynaecologist and educator Datuk Dr Harlina Halizah Siraj, For Youth Initiative Kuala Lumpur Reproductive Rights Activist Fara Rom and Ectopic Pregnancy Survivor Maisara Mohd Nasir.
The discussion looked into the rules surrounding abortion, the stigma that comes with and the emotional toll it takes on those who goes through a termination of pregnancy.
It also addressed the misconceptions and stigma of ectopic pregnancies, as stated by Dr Harlina - is not part of abortion.