The Guardian: Afghan Women Abort Pregnancies to Prevent the Birth of Girls

The Guardian reports that women in Afghanistan, due to family pressure and domestic violence, are using banned pills to terminate pregnancies carrying female fetuses. Following the political change and the collapse of the republic, contraceptives have disappeared and clinics have been shut down.

The newspaper writes that some women have been forced to secretly seek dangerous drugs and methods in order to protect their lives and health. This crisis has been exacerbated by a shortage of medical services and widespread economic hardship, leaving many pregnant and breastfeeding women suffering from malnutrition and severe physical strain.

Ongoing restrictions and the closure of clinics have prevented women from exercising their right to make reproductive choices, while domestic violence and social pressure once again threaten their physical and mental well-being.