Improving Access to Safe Abortion Services in Kyrgyzstan
In Kyrgyzstan, abortion is legal. The law allows people to end a pregnancy on request up to 12 weeks, and then for ‘social reasons’ as agreed with health professionals, up to 22 weeks. Abortion is allowed at any time in cases of medical necessity. So, the law is liberal compared to many other countries, but unfortunately women seeking abortions still face barriers. Firstly, primary health care does not provide abortion services, requiring women to seek abortions at specialized hospitals, often located in large cities. Long travel times and the cost of transportation can be a significant barrier. Especially for vulnerable women, where such costs can be prohibitive.
Updating Clinical Guidelines and National Initiatives
Kyrgyz Family Planning Alliance (KFPA) has been working for many years to promote access to safe abortion for women in Kyrgyzstan. This year, with funding from SAAF, we launched an important initiative to update our national clinical guidelines for safe abortion. This includes incorporating the latest World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations on abortion care, and adding a new section on telemedicine. The most recent updates were made in 2020. We supported the revision of requirements for termination of pregnancy during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure safety and accessibility of services in the country. The pandemic showed the importance of being able to access abortion medications remotely.
The Success of Telemedicine Services
We know that abortion by telemedicine is effective. In 2023, we conducted a pilot study of telemedicine with fellow SAAF grantee partner Reproductive Health Training Center of the Republic of Moldova (RHTC). The results were very positive. Our study highlights the potential of telemedicine to reach vulnerable populations, especially during emergencies. The following data summarizes the pilot study results:
| Metric | Result |
|---|---|
| Number of women in Bishkek and Osh | 100 |
| Women who prefer telemedicine to in-clinic visits | 95 |
| Women who would recommend the service to others | 99% |
KFPA believes that telemedicine will enable health workers to provide services at a distance, which will be convenient for women in remote or hard-to-reach areas. It will also ensure continuity of care during emergencies and provide a private and confidential environment, which can reduce stigma and encourage women to seek necessary medical care.
Direct Testimonials from Women
- 44 years old, Bishkek: “You get counseling from the comfort of your own home, medical abortion pills delivered by courier and can terminate a pregnancy with no additional cost – don’t have to take time off work, you don’t have to find a babysitter, it’s very convenient”
- 29 years old, Djalal-Abad: “It is very convenient especially with my physical disabilities, also liked that I received the service confidentially”
Future Implementation and Legislative Progress
In October 2023, the law to allow for provision of telemedicine services was approved. The Ministry of Health of Kyrgyzstan recognizes the importance of telemedicine and is taking steps to implement it. KFPA is planning work to organise supervisory visits on the implementation of clinical guidelines this year that will also include training seminars with health workers on telemedicine and safe abortion. We are pleased to see that with the introduction of telemedicine abortion the country is advancing reproductive health and overcoming barriers to essential services. Through collaboration and evidence-based decision-making, KFPA is working towards a more inclusive health system in Kyrgyzstan.