Impact of Unsafe Abortion
In Malawi, a young woman came to a government hospital in agony from an infection caused by a stick that had been forced into her uterus to induce miscarriage. She was admitted, but later died of the infection, leaving behind three young children.
Approximately 67,000 women die as tragically as this through unsafe, botched abortions every year. That’s the equivalent of one woman dying every eight minutes. Not to mention the children who are left motherless, partners left to cope on their own, and five million more women who escape death but suffer long term damage or infertility as a result of these unsafe procedures.
Unsafe abortion affects whole communities, imposing huge burdens on poor countries and already struggling public health systems.
Restrictive laws do not stop abortions from happening. In fact, they are clearly associated with increased deaths and injuries to women from unsafe abortion. But liberal laws alone are not enough either. Without trained personnel, up to date, safe technology, and clear clinical and policy guidance, women may not be able to access or even know about the availability of the services they need.
The impact of unsafe abortion is felt by all. Concerted efforts are needed on medical, legal and social fronts to increase access to safe, accessible services for all women in need.