Liow warns docs against unethical practices in abortions

PETALING JAYA: It is unethical for doctors to take advantage of a patient’s lack of knowledge and overcharge for performing abortions, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.

“Patients have the right to know about the treatment planned and the estimated charges as stipulated under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act.

“Any wrongdoing, notwithstanding the quantum or amount of fees charged, is considered illegal and unethical,” said Liow.

He said this in response to a news report in The Star yesterday that some clinics were charging exorbitant fees to perform abortions because many patients were unaware of the legality of the procedure.

Liow clarified, however, that the Malaysian Medical Association fee structure only listed the professional charges and not the total fee, which could include hospital, medication and facility bills.

He admitted that “a lot had to be relooked”.

On Friday, The Star reported a need for a Law Reform Commission to clarify Section 312 of the Penal Code, which allows abortions in specific circumstances in light of the current misconceptions.

“We will discuss with the association and Academy of Medicine to draw up the fees and interpretation of necessary abortions to be included in regulations by early next year.”

On Sept 19, the Health Ministry released guidelines for abortions for government hospitals.

The standard operating procedure recommends pre-abortion counselling, where patients are briefed on the procedures and assessed for health risks.

It also suggests an opt-out period of 48 hours before the procedure and for patients to be referred to religious authorities for counselling.

Liow suggested patients receive a second medical opinion before going through with the abortion.

“More will be done to educate the public and doctors with regards to the current legal framework of abortions,” he said.