Police in India investigating after wife alleges husband forced abortion

Police in India are investigating after a woman alleged that her husband forced the abortion pill upon her without her knowledge, causing the death of their preborn child. 

Key Takeaways:

• The 26-year-old woman has lodged a number of complaints against her husband, including that he gave her a pill that ended up killing their preborn child.

• Police are investigating the allegations.

• Though Indian law requires a prescription to receive the abortion pill, it is available over the counter at many pharmacies in the country.

The Details:

According to the Indian Express, a 26-year-old woman filed a complaint against both her husband and her in-laws, alleging that her husband humiliated and shamed her, harassed her, withheld food, and forced her to take the abortion pill, causing the death of their baby.

The woman reportedly got sick enough from taking the pill that she required emergency medical care at a hospital. At the hospital, she was told that her preborn baby had died. 

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“Two months ago, I found out that I was pregnant. I shared this with my mother-in-law, who showed no interest. One day, my husband gave me a pill, which I later researched online and discovered was used for abortions,” her statement to police said.

The Indian Express added, "After she fell sick, she said her in-laws dropped her off at her parents’ house. When her health deteriorated, she was admitted to a hospital where doctors informed her about the miscarriage, she alleged in the complaint. Her in-laws allegedly did not allow her to enter their home after this."

Police are reportedly investigating the allegations. 

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Why It Matters:

Although the abortion pill is technically only available via prescription in India, research shows that it is widely available over-the-counter in many pharmacies. Easier access to the deadly drugs has made it easier for bad actors to obtain it for forced abortions, in which women are given the abortion pill without their knowledge or consent. 

Additionally, as happens in so many cases, this woman was injured as a result of taking the abortion pill, resulting in the need for treatment at a hospital. Without medical oversight from a doctor, women who take the abortion pill are at greater risk of injury.

The Bottom Line: 

This story is yet another example of the dangers of making the abortion pill readily available to anyone who wants it. Forced abortion and medical complications cause not only the death of the preborn child, but lifelong trauma and pain to that child’s mother.