Ethical Abortion among Pregnant Women Attending Abortion Decision-making Committee in Erbil Maternity Teaching Hospital

Rana S. khaleel; Parez R. Muhamad

Article Details

Ethical Abortion among Pregnant Women Attending Abortion Decision-making Committee in Erbil Maternity Teaching Hospital

Authors:

Rana S. khaleel | Parez R. Muhamad

Publisher:

Cihan University, Iraq

Journal:

Cihan University-Erbil Scientific Journal Vol.9 Issue 2, pp.74-79

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

10/2025

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2001837358

pISSN:

2707-6377

Keywords:

Abstract:

 In the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, abortion is legally permitted only to save a woman’s life, requiring approval from a medical committee and spousal consent. This restrictive framework raises public health concerns by pushing women toward unsafe alternatives. The aim of this study is to characterize women applying for legal abortion in Erbil, identify determinants of committee decisions, and document pregnancy outcomes. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 pregnant women who applied to the Ethical Abortion Committee at Erbil Maternity Teaching Hospital (September 2024–August 2025). Data from interviews and records were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests. The results show the committee approved 121 (60.5%) of 200 requests. Decisions were significantly influenced by the indication for termination (P < 0.001). Requests for severe fetal anomalies were frequently approved, whereas requests citing maternal health conditions – the sole legal ground for abortion had a low approval rate (36.6%). Consequently, 116 pregnancies (58.0%) were terminated. Second-trimester requests were significantly more likely to be approved and terminated than first-trimester requests (P < 0.001), reflecting a system driven by the timing of anomaly detection. Under the KRG’s restrictive law, the committee pragmatically expanded its remit to approve terminations for lethal fetal anomalies while being overly cautious in applying the explicit maternal life exception. With nearly 40% of applicants refused care, the findings highlight an urgent need for policy reform, including clearer clinical guidelines for maternal health indications. This study contributes empirical evidence to global debates on the application of abortion law, ethics, and practice in restrictive settings.

Article Details

Ethical Abortion among Pregnant Women Attending Abortion Decision-making Committee in Erbil Maternity Teaching Hospital

Authors:

Rana S. khaleel | Parez R. Muhamad

Publisher:

Cihan University, Iraq

Journal:

Cihan University-Erbil Scientific Journal Vol.9 Issue 2, pp.74-79

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

10/2025

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2001837358

pISSN:

2707-6377

Induced abortion

ethical abortion committee

abortion law

maternal health

fetal anomalies

Kurdistan region

reproductive rights

unsafe abortion

Issues

Article Details

Authors: Rana S. khaleel | Parez R. Muhamad

Publisher: Cihan University, Iraq

Journal: Cihan University-Erbil Scientific Journal Vol.9 Issue 2, pp.74-79

Document Type: Article

Publication Date: 10/2025

Document Language: English

Document ID (Org No.): 2001837358

pISSN: 2707-6377

Issues

Authors:

Rana S. khaleel | Parez R. Muhamad

Publisher:

Cihan University, Iraq

Journal:

Cihan University-Erbil Scientific Journal Vol.9 Issue 2, pp.74-79

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

10/2025

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2001837358

pISSN:

2707-6377