Right to Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Act, 2075 (2018)
सुरक्षित मातृत्व तथा प्रजनन स्वास्थ्य अधिकार ऐन, २०७५
Issued by Parliament of Nepal · 2018
In short: Guarantees women's rights to safe motherhood, family planning, safe abortion services and reproductive health information.
Overview
This Act puts Article 38 of the Constitution into practice. Article 38 gives women the right to safe motherhood and reproductive health. The Act brings together earlier provisions on safe abortion and maternity care and sets duties for health institutions and governments.
Key provisions
- Free antenatal care, delivery and postnatal care at designated facilities, plus maternity transport incentives.
- Legal grounds and gestation limits for safe abortion, provided only at listed facilities by trained providers.
- Access to family planning information and methods, including for adolescents.
- Confidentiality of reproductive health services, and protection from discrimination.
- Penalties for forced abortion, sex-selective abortion and denial of emergency obstetric care.
Why it matters
Nepal's progress in reducing maternal deaths depends on these services being free and legally protected. The Act is the legal base for the Aama programme and comprehensive abortion care.
What it means for practitioners
- Only listed sites and trained providers may perform abortion care. Check that your facility is registered.
- Sex-selective abortion is a crime. Do not disclose fetal sex for that purpose.
Frequently asked questions
Is abortion legal in Nepal?
Yes. Abortion is legal on grounds and within gestational limits set by the Act. It must be done at listed facilities by trained providers.
Related guides
Editorial summary by PHC-Nepal for education only. It is not legal advice. Laws may be amended, so always check the official text.