Khan Sakhorn, 43, now living in Prey Sbov village, Naray commune, Chhuk district, Kampot province, said: “More than twenty years ago, when I first heard the word abortion, I was really upset because I thought This abortion is not a good thing and I always think that women who used to have abortion services may have a bad thing and why go to this abortion service, in particular, I am more dissatisfied and very discriminated. If a woman has a child without a husband and goes for abortion because it is very serious tradition that can be a bad example to other women in the village.”
Ms. Khan Sakhorn continued that she also saw the dissemination of health information in the village and also participated in the discussion group disseminated by women from RHAC to make her aware of a lot of information related to health. Women such as contraception, safe abortion, reasons for abortion, abortion laws, especially where safe abortion services are provided for women who have had accidental or unwanted pregnancies at the commune health center, district referral hospital As well as RHAC Clinic.
“After knowing and receiving all this information, I realized that abortion is not a scary thing if the hospital has enough equipment and provides good services, especially,” she said. “Keep the client confidential, so there is nothing scary, and we must not discriminate or stigmatize the same woman, because every woman has her own reasons before deciding to have an abortion.”
Ms. Khan Sakhorn added: “After changing my mindset on abortion, I personally shared the knowledge I gained from RHAC women to spread to other women in my community. In order for them to have the same understanding as me, and going forward, I am still willing to continue to spread all this knowledge, because I want to see women in my community who are healthy and brave, dare to speak and Make your own health decisions based on your rights.
Ms. Khan Sakhorn stated: “I would like to urge all women that if we have unwanted pregnancies or pregnancies that could endanger our mothers, we should have the courage to receive safe abortion services for our health. All because we have the right to make our own decisions and there is no coercion from anyone.”
It should be noted that safe abortion is legal in Cambodia and the abortion law was established in 1997. Although abortion is legal, some people in Cambodian society still disagree with those who decide to have an abortion, as they continue to discriminate, which is a barrier to women’s decision to have an abortion. However, RHAC continues to actively educate and educate through women and youth involved in abortion issues in the community to understand and change negative attitudes, stop stigma and discrimination around abortion.
