*3.3. Abortion*

3.3.1. Migrant Women's Abortion Decisions Linked with Financial Security and Employer Support

Migrant women may lose formal employment and face deportation, as a consequence of pregnancy. Migrant women who chose to continue with their pregnancy in Malaysia are likely to become undocumented. Since the economic and social costs of pregnancy are substantial, this participant explained that migrant women that opt to continue with their pregnancy are usually in stable, committed relationships with relative financial security.

*"Migrants pay for antenatal care at private clinics themselves. So usually, the ones who are willing to keep a child, they know it's going to cost them. So, they should have some 'back up' money or husbands who are ok, and then they can a*ff*ord. Maybe he is taking home RM 1800 to RM 2000 a month. So, from all his work, he can a*ff*ord it. Then they go ahead. There are some who will come and say, 'No I can't, I can't a*ff*ord it'. Then some are like girlfriend*/*boyfriend, but he might be married, she might be married, you know* . . . *'accidents', you know. This group will come and ask if they can get a medical abortion." MD-2 PRIVATE GP*

Migrant workers are generally in Malaysia for the short term, with employment contracts lasting 2 to 4 years. This participant explained that many of the relationships formed by migrant workers in Malaysia are impermanent. Without support from a partner, pregnancies are unwanted and result in abortion.

*"Basically, when they arrive [in Malaysia], they may have a husband back home. But, after few months, no more. We heard from other Filipinos, that mostly after they separate from [their husband], they find someone else here. And then when they get pregnant, they just abort it." MW-3*

Several participants shared that some domestic workers are highly valued by their employers, and that these employers are supportive of their employees' pregnancy. Examples were given of employers sending workers back to their home countries for delivery, with the option to return to Malaysia for employment. Others gave examples of employers supporting their workers by bringing them to private clinics for antenatal follow-up. This participant shared that some employers support their domestic workers in having an abortion, as this would mean the domestic worker could keep her job.

*"In terms of unwanted pregnancies, they cannot be pregnant and stay in the work. But fortunately, many of the private employers want to keep their maids. Very often their maids are quite well-paid and they [the employers] are happy with them. And if they are pregnant, the employer [would] actually bring her along [to the clinic], and then you [as the doctor], would do the termination because she wants to continue working." MD-9 Private clinic*

It was unclear whether domestic workers in this position received pre-abortion counselling or advice from providers on their options.
