Unsafe abortion; the hidden cause of maternal death

Abstract

Despite the advancements in medical technology, unsafe abortion is common worldwide and it is estimated that about 13% of maternal deaths occur each year due to unsafe abortion predominantly in developing countries. However, since 1990, substantial global progress has been made to address various causes of maternal death including severe bleeding, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and obstructed labor. On the contrary there has been minimal efforts in addressing the risks associated with unsafe abortion though highly preventable. The high prevalence is owed to a lack of awareness on safe abortion practices, desire for educational pursuit and poor use of contraceptives that lead to unplanned pregnancy. In attempting unsafe abortion, early health complications such as infection, hemorrhage, injury to internal organs, infertility and post abortion stress disorders are seen as long-term complications. Thus, mass education on contraceptives is highly needed to protect mothers from death due to unsafe abortion.