Asia-Pacific Journal of Public Health 1–5 © 2014 APJPH Reprints and permissions: sagepub.com/journalsPermissions.nav DOI: 10.1177/1010539514562275 aph.sagepub.com Commemorative Issue for Walter Access to Safe Legal Abortion in Malaysia: Women’s Insights and Health Sector Response Wah-Yun Low, MSc, PhD 1 , Wen-Ting Tong, BSc (Hons) 1 , Yut-Lin Wong, MPhil, DrPH 1 , Ravindran Jegasothy, FRCOG 2 , and Sim-Poey Choong, MBChB, FRCA(E) 3 Abstract Malaysia has an abortion law, which permits termination of pregnancy to save a woman’s life and to preserve her physical and mental health (Penal Code Section 312, amended in 1989). However, lack of clear interpretation and understanding of the law results in women facing difficulties in accessing abortion information and services. Some health care providers were unaware of the legalities of abortion in Malaysia and influenced by their personal beliefs with regard to provision of abortion services. Accessibility to safer abortion techniques is also an issue. The development of the 2012 Guidelines on Termination of Pregnancy and Guidelines for Management of Sexual and Reproductive Health among Adolescents in Health Clinics by the Ministry of Health, Malaysia, is a step forward toward increasing women’s accessibility to safe abortion services in Malaysia. This article provides an account of women’s accessibility to abortion in Malaysia and the health sector response in addressing the barriers. Keywords Safe legal abortion, women’s access, health sector response, sexual and reproductive health and rights Introduction The main mission of the Asia-Pacific Academic Consortium for Public Health (APACPH) is to promote public health in the Asia-Pacific region. There is a need to expand knowledge, improve skills, and improve public health interventions benefiting the population and the marginalized communities in order to achieve the mission. One particular area that warrants attention is the field of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) of women. This field was very dear to our late Professor Walter Patrick, who was a very passionate champion for women’s health. He worked on many programs aimed at improving women’s health and their quality of life. Women are 1 University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 2 MAHSA University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 3 Klinik Rakyat Family Planning Services SdnBhd, Penang, Malaysia Corresponding Author: Wah Yun Low, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Lembah Pantai, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia. Email: lowwy@um.edu.my 562275APH XX X 10.1177/1010539514562275Asia-Pacific Journal of Public HealthLow et al research-article 2014