MSI Lady Dr Sorphoun prides herself on providing abortion without discrimination
Dr Sorphoun works at the Tech Sophea Clinic in Cambodia and is trained as an MSI Lady. She shares her story.
Dr Sophorn explains her career journey and how despite not wanting to be a doctor at first, she found her passion by helping women recover from abortion surgeries.
“At first, I didn’t want to be a doctor, but I came to like it especially during my second year of medical school. I helped women at the hospital after they had received an abortion. I often cared for them and asked them about their story. That’s why I decided to choose this career, it makes me even happier. After finishing school, I became a doctor and worked in gynaecology for a while. Then my husband suggested I open this clinic. Coincidentally I met Dr Rotha, and she introduced me to MSI. I have learned so much.”
She goes on to explain what she has learnt during her time as an MSI Lady.
“MSI has taught and supported me a lot. For example, I learnt about birth control, abortion, and attended quarterly meetings to discuss the problems that women face. MSI has supported women who cannot afford an abortion. We are proud to give good and successful services.”
No matter their background, she provides everyone with equal care.
“There can be two to three cases of abortion per week. They could be factory workers, housewives, salespeople, doctors, foreigners. I give them all the same service – the cost, openness, care, and consultation. Everything is the same. No discrimination. As an MSI Lady, I support and provide services for all women who need it. No matter what. I provide the service to all. I do my best to provide quality abortion services.”
“Abortion services are legal in Cambodia, but some women can’t find the services. Sometimes they are told it is painful and dangerous, so they are afraid. Sometimes they go to people who don’t have proper training which can be dangerous.”
“When women have unsafe abortions, they could bleed out without knowing. Or they think it is okay and leave the issue until later and they start heavily bleeding, and by then we can’t save them.”
Dr Sophorn shares some experiences she has had with clients and gives examples of the various reasons women choose to have abortions.
“I remember this woman, first she had an unsuccessful abortion and then she had another. She tried to find a safe place and met my friend who referred her to me, and I gave her a safe service. The woman said that the unsafe abortion was so painful, and she would never do it again! No more! She didn’t want a future child because she faced too many dangerous and painful experiences.”
“Some women have family issues, and their husband has an affair. They don’t want to get back together so they decide to have an abortion. Some women have adult children, they are old, and they are afraid of pregnancy problems. So, they decide to have an abortion.”
“For me, in an emergency, we need to help her first. What if she goes to another place that provides unsafe abortion? Or she is heavily bleeding and has lost too much blood before arriving? We need to help her before it gets too dangerous.”
She finishes by offering her gratitude to MSI for training her as an MSI Lady.
“I want to thank MSI for letting me partner as an MSI Lady. I have contributed to a lot of things, such as birth control, health, and abortion care. When I do well, I have helped my community as well. When women can access a safe abortion, they get their time back. They can take care of themselves, earn more money and do other things. I am happy and proud that Cambodia allows this support for women and gives choice to women – the choice to have children as they planned.”
