By Lakna Paranamanna

In a shocking disclosure, which amounts to a massacre of the innocents, illegal abortion centers that have sprung up all over the country are alleged to be carrying out more than 1,000 abortions daily, a survey has revealed.

According to Health Education Bureau Media Unit Chief Dr. Shantha Hettiarachchi the survey conducted last year said about 3,000 illegal abortion centers were operating in Sri Lanka.

“We are unable to arrive at an accurate figure because of the manner in which these undercover clinics are operating. The actual number could be higher than this,” he said.

Dr. Hettiarachchi said the statistics have also revealed that married and unmarried women underwent these illegal abortions.  He said a range of socio-economic reasons had resulted in this situation.

“Mostly it’s due to the lack of awareness on sexual health. In the case of married women this is a result of economic issues faced by them as well as the lack of a proper family planning methods,” Dr. Hettiarachchi said.