Abortion: Safety, Access, Information
Safe abortion is essential health care and a critical part of comprehensive reproductive care. When people do not have access to safe abortion, the health consequences can be devastating or even fatal.
Putting safe abortion in context
Access to safe abortion is a critical aspect of women's health and reproductive health around the world. Although there have been major decreases in most leading causes of maternal deaths worldwide over the past two decades, one glaring exception remains: Unsafe abortion, which causes an estimated 29,000 deaths each year and millions of serious complications.
Since MSF projects often see patients suffering from the severe, potentially life-threatening effects of unsafe abortion, we have expanded our efforts to help people access safe abortion care and to find ways of providing it at our projects.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Unintended pregnancies worldwide end in induced abortion | 40% |
| Induced abortions occur around the world each year | 56 million |
| Of abortions that take place in the world are unsafe, the majority in developing countries | 45% |
What is an abortion?
Abortion occurs when a pregnancy is ended. It can happen spontaneously, also referred to as miscarriage, or as the result of a deliberate intervention. Abortion occurs when a pregnancy is ended.
What is a safe abortion?
An abortion is considered safe if it’s carried out by a trained professional using a method recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and appropriate to the pregnancy duration. If any of these conditions is not met, the abortion is unsafe.
What makes an abortion safe or unsafe?
Unsafe abortions are mainly categorized into “less safe” and “least safe.”
- “Less safe” abortions involve either an outdated, unsafe method or a lack of access to proper information.
- “Least safe” abortions involve both.
Examples we see in our projects include inserting sharp sticks or needles into the uterus; ingesting harmful substances such as bleach, battery acid, or chlorine; using external force on the abdomen; and using medications incorrectly and without appropriate support.
How is safe abortion care provided?
Safe...