SEREMBAN, March 28 — Seremban police have stirred a controversy over abortion by declaring they will only investigate such termination of pregnancy if it involves unmarried couples. 

Seremban police chief ACP Muhamad Zaki Harun made the statement when commenting on a recent case involving a married couple who had allegedly paid a clinic here to abort a six-week foetus.

“It’s okay for married couples and it’s up to a specialist’s discretion. It is only illegal when it involves those who are pregnant out of wedlock, then police will investigate.”

In an immediate response, deputy health director-general Datuk Dr S. Jeyaindran affirmed abortion is illegal in Malaysia unless a mother’s health is compromised.

“The law clearly states that termination of pregnancy is permitted in circumstances where there is risk to the life of the pregnant woman or threat of injury to her physical or mental health. In this case, there is no such thing as legal just because the couple is married.”

Jeyaindran said a complaint could be lodged with the private practice control branch of the Medical Practice Division under the Health Ministry.

The division will investigate the said clinic and a showcause letter will be issued, followed by shutting down the clinic if such practice continues. 

On Monday, the couple with four children went to an obstetrics and gynaecology clinic to enquire about abortion and had supposedly paid RM450 for a scan followed by the abortion procedure. 

A commotion broke out when the husband kicked the clinic’s glass door, causing it to shatter before the abortion was about to take place.

“It was a mutual decision (between the couple to have the abortion),” said Muhamad Zaki.

“However, emotions ran high and the husband was confused with his decision and vented his anger in the wrong way.

“The couple ended up not aborting the foetus after the commotion and the clinic returned RM330 to the couple and only charged them RM120 for the scan.”

Muhamad Zaki said police considered the case closed as the couple and clinic had settled the case amicably.

“The man, who injured his leg, returned to the clinic a few days later and apologised. The clinic has also decided to let it go.”

When asked why action was not taken against the clinic when abortion was deemed illegal in Malaysia, Muhamad Zaki said it was based on the gynaecologist’s discretion and it was fine when it involved married couples.

“The doctor is a specialist and she knows better. In this couple’s case, they had family issues. The woman was stressed and was not ready to have a fifth child due to some personal problems.”

Malay Mail contacted the clinic and spoke to the doctor.

She confirmed that the clinic performed abortions.

“Yes we do and it depends on the situation,” she said, refusing to comment further.