Ministry Of Health Says There Is A Possibility That Private Health Facilities Can Serve Abortion

The Director General of Health Services at the Ministry of Health, Azhar Jaya, in Jakarta, Tuesday (06/08/2024). (ANTARA/ho-dokpri)

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Health stated that it prefers to appoint government health facilities to provide abortion services. However, it is possible that private health facilities that have competence can be given the opportunity to provide these services. "But what is clear is that the government hospital is certain, the police hospital is also certain. Later there will be some of the best private sectors. The point is that this service must be reached by the wider community. Not all of them must be centered in Jakarta," said Director General of Health Services Azhar Jaya in Jakarta, Antara, Tuesday, August 6. This was conveyed in response to media questions regarding the appointment of hospitals for abortion services, referring to Government Regulation number 28 of 2024 concerning Implementation Regulations of Law Number 17 of 2023 concerning Health. According to him, the most important thing is to ensure that there are medical personnel or health workers with good competencies. For example, forensic obgyn, who has the ability to understand legal cases. In addition, there are other things that need to be considered, such as gestational age, before having an abortion. He explained that abortion is a burden for both professionals who provide services and for women who are pregnant, so they are given psychological assistance, in order to determine whether to nominate the womb or not. Previously, the government issued Government Regulation No. 28/2024 on July 26, and one of them regulates abortion that is allowed for pregnant women with indications of medical emergency as well as victims of rape or other criminal acts of sexual violence that lead to pregnancy, which is stated in article 116. Regarding the appointment of health facilities, it is stated in Article 119 paragraph 1 that abortion services that are allowed can only be carried out in advanced Health Service Facilities that meet Health Resources according to the standards set by the Minister.

Article 123 states that abortion services must be provided with assistance and counseling before and after abortion, which is carried out by medical personnel, health workers, and or other personnel.