PHILIPPINES: Abortion by Massage

Abortion is illegal in the Philippines, but most common. The majority of abortions in Olongapo are done by a hilot, the traditional woman healer. Several trips to the hilot are necessary. Each time the hilot massages the abdomen to dislodge the fetus, so that it will miscarry. If done during the first trimester, it is usually successful. If a woman has complications as a result of the abortion, she may have difficulty in obtaining the necessary health care.