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Unsafe abortion, refers to the termination of
an unintended pregnancy either by persons lacking the necessary
skills or in an unhygienic environment or both. It is responsible
for 13% of all maternal mortality or 68,000 deaths each year.
At an international level, unsafe abortion has been recognized
as a public health problem. The figures speak for themselves: according
to the WHO, of the 200 million pregnancies which are registered
every year, around 46 million are terminated, and only 60% are
done so in safe medical conditions. In other words, there are over
18 million unsafe abortions every year.
As a result, one woman dies every six minutes from unsafe abortion.
Of those who live, many suffer serious consequences such as infertility
or complications with future pregnancies.
MSF medical teams all too often see women who are hemorrhaging,
or have infections or injuries (to the uterus or elsewhere) from
unsafe abortions.
The prevention of unsafe abortions
Comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care services can
greatly reduce the number of unsafe abortions by offering safer
alternatives through family planning and by identifying and treating
complications during pregnancy early on. Where relevant MSF
also ensures abortions are performed safely.
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from the field
Women's
Health index |
