(De Ware Tijd) PARAMARIBO – Between 8000 and 10,000 abortions are performed in Suriname each year. Most of the women involved are younger than 24. Most abortions are performed with folk remedies. Yesterday, Health Minister Celcius Waterberg confirmed these figures, which were presented by Parliamentarian Mohammed Abdoel (MC/NPD) during the budget debates on June 27. Waterberg said his Ministry and the government are
concerned about these figures. The Health Ministry is still of the view that in order to bring down these figures, Suriname’s legislation must be amended. Abortion ought to be discussed openly and anti-abortion groups, Waterberg believes, should play an important role in counseling and help present possible solutions to pregnant women.
