PERSPECTIVES OF SRI LANKAN BUDDHIST PRACTITIONERS ACCESSING SAFE ABORTION WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE PREVAILING SAFE ABORTION-RELATED LAWS IN SRI LANKA

Abstract

This study examined the perspectives of the Sri Lankan Theravada Buddhist on accessing safe abortion, in Sri Lanka. In the context of Sri Lanka, cultural, religious, and legal factors significantly influence Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). Due to the strictness of the safe-abortion related laws in Sri Lanka, many people use unsafe methods. Therefore, liberalizing the safe abortion- related laws is a timely need. This study aimed to understand how Theravada Buddhist practices in the country influence shaping societal attitudes toward safe abortion access. This qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews. Also, a purposive sample of Theravada Buddhist practitioners participated in the interviews. Thematic analysis was used as the analytical strategy to analyze the data collected. There are various studies done regarding safe abortion access and determinants that hinder access to safe abortions. However, there are few studies that are specifically talking about the perspective of religions in accessing safe abortion. Most of the studies carry the perspectives of Christianity, Catholicism, and Islamic religions. However not many studies are conducted specifically regarding the Theravada Buddhist perspectives that are commonly practiced in Sri Lanka on abortion access. Therefore, with the intention of bridging this gap, this study was conducted specifically on how Sri Lankan Theravada Buddhist perspective impacts on accessing safe abortion. The main objective of this study was to understand the perspectives, attitudes, and beliefs of the Sri Lankan Theravada Buddhist practitioners regarding access to safe abortion and their impact on the implications for women's reproductive rights and health. Research findings emphasized the fact that, while most of the Sri Lankan Theravada Buddhist practitioners and scholars continue to emphasize the importance of preserving human life, there is a growing discussion related to how certain beliefs can be re-interpreted to reduce suffering, and bodily autonomy, especially in the context of women’s reproductive health.