Unsafe Abortion

Unsafe abortion is defined as a procedure for terminating an unwanted pregnancy carried out either by a person lacking the necessary skills or in an environment lacking the minimal medical standards, or both. Unsafe abortions are a global public health problem and are estimated to account for approximately 25% of all maternal deaths worldwide. Unsafe abortions occur when a woman is unable to access safe, legal abortion services. In many countries, these services are not available or are restricted due to laws, policies, or other factors. Women who live in poverty and lack access to safe, affordable services are more likely to resort to unsafe abortions. Unsafe abortions can lead to a variety of health complications, including infection, shock, hemorrhage, and organ damage. Unsafe abortions are also associated with an increased risk of infertility, preterm birth, and long-term complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease. Unsafe abortions are preventable and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a range of strategies to reduce their incidence. These include improving access to quality family planning services, providing education about contraception and reproductive health, and ensuring access to safe, legal abortion services. In addition, laws and policies should be reviewed to ensure that women are not punished for having an unsafe abortion.