This means actively working to reduce stigma, training healthcare providers to offer compassionate, unbiased care, and increasing awareness and knowledge of sexual and reproductive health among teenagers and their caregivers in families and communities.“By addressing these areas, we can create an environment where teenage girls feel safe and supported in accessing the care they need,” Manning added.He added that over 30 per cent of people still believe abortion is illegal in India, even though abortion in India has been legal since 1971 under relatively progressive legal provisions, allowing women to access abortions for various reasons up to 24 weeks of pregnancy.“Our law is more liberal and empowering compared to many other countries. However, abortion is not fully recognised as an unconditional right; it is permitted only under specific conditions,” he told TNIE.The misconception that abortion is illegal limits access to accurate information, quality services, and non-judgmental, stigma-free care.“To address this gap, we need to focus on increasing public awareness, providing clear and accurate information, and dispelling myths about abortion. This will help ensure that women can access the safe and respectful abortion services that they are entitled to,” he added.
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