Unsafe Abortion: A Global Problem That Needs Urgent Attention

The findings of WHO’s 2011 report analysing global and regional incidences of unsafe abortion demonstrates that the global incidence of unsafe abortion has decreased since 2003 (increase in numbers reflects population growth of women of reproductive age). However at between 21 million and 22 million unsafe abortions in 2008, the cause of death of thousands of women, urgent attention is needed.

The WHO reports shows that globally there are enormous disparities. As a recent IPAS article stipulates, a young woman living in Middle or East Africa is most at risk from unsafe abortion. Figures from the WHO report estimate the unsafe abortion ratio for Africa in 17 per every 100 live births (Eastern Africa has the highest at 20 and South Africa the lowest at 10). Cultural attitudes against sexual education for adolescents combined with poor access to health services are the main causes of young girls becoming pregnant before they are willing and ready. Tragically many of these girls have to go through the mental trauma, physical agony and life threatening procedures of unsafe abortions.

To read the IPAS article on this subject, click here. To access the WHO report, see our resources page.

Source: http://www.eurongos.org