Can universal health coverage eliminate unsafe abortion?

Safe abortion within the Venezuelan complex humanitarian emergency: understanding context as key to identifying the potential for digital self-care tools in expanding access

“… 19 Although indicators for mortality and morbidity due to unsafe abortion in humanitarian settings are hard to determine, several studies show that of the estimated 73 million abortions happening each year, half occur in unsafe conditions and cause between 8% and 11% of almost entirely preventable maternal deaths. 20 Furthermore, about 97% of unsafe abortions take place in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where humanitarian emergencies are more likely to occur. 21 Additionally, LMICs are more likely to have restrictive abortion laws, leaving those who need to terminate a pregnancy with a high unmet need for comprehensive abortion and post-abortion services.…”

Inclusion of abortion-related care in national health benefit packages: results from a WHO global survey

“…17 Some sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services have therefore not always been included within UHC-related decisions about health financing, resource allocation and priority-setting, 8 and abortion is often excluded from monitoring indicators for UHC. 18 A health benefit package (HBP), defined as 'a set of services that can be feasibly financed and provided under the actual circumstances in which a given country finds itself', 19 is essential for creating a sustainable UHC system in the context of limited resources. The HBP defines what services can and will be offered, and to whom, 20 and a range of mechanisms exist for setting these priorities.…”

“…Cultural and political sensitivities related to sexuality, reproductive choice and gender equality can all constrain the inclusion of comprehensive SRHR in UHC while also creating policy, regulatory and legislative barriers to providing and accessing such services 17. Some sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services have therefore not always been included within UHC-related decisions about health financing, resource allocation and priority-setting,8 and abortion is often excluded from monitoring indicators for UHC 18…”

“… 17 Some sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services have therefore not always been included within UHC-related decisions about health financing, resource allocation and priority-setting, 8 and abortion is often excluded from monitoring indicators for UHC. 18 …”

Abortion stigma among abortion seekers, healthcare professionals and the public in high-income countries: A mixed-methods systematic review protocol

“…In low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs), only 29% of women have access to legal abortion with no restrictions on their reason for abortion, compared with 81% in high-income countries (HICs). 3 Due to this restrictive abortion laws and policies, 4 97% of unsafe abortions occur in LMICs. Overall, women living in HIC have better access to sexual and reproductive healthcare (including abortion care) than those living in LMICs.…”