Induced abortion in sub-Saharan Africa: what we do and do not know
Coeytaux, F.M.
Studies in Family Planning 19(3): 186-190
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0039-3665 PMID: 3043764 DOI: 10.2307/1966754Document Number: 573865
This paper reviews the literature on abortion in subSahara Africa, identifies the gaps in existing knowledge, and makes recommendations for future research and action. African policymakers and health authorities are expressing concern over the numbers of clandestine abortions they see and the resulting morbidity and mortality associated with these proceedures. Abortion-related deaths are a major cause of maternity mortality in Africa, and the treatment of incomplete and septic abortions is severely taxing the scarce health resources of governments throughout the region. Yet the existing literature only hints at the magnitude and urgency of the problem and provides very little information on its nature or social epidemiology. Throughout subSaharan Africa, abortion is highly restricted. Only 7 countries permit abortion for reasons other than those directly threatening a woman's life, and in only 1 country, Zambia, is it legal or social or socioeconomic grounds. Even where the laws are liberal, the availability of services is so poor and the requirement for an elective procedure so great that most abotions continue to be clandestine. For example, at the University Teaching Hospital in Zambia, for every 1 abortion that is performed legally, 9 incomplete abortions are being treated. 3 categories of research are required: 1) epidemiological and community-based studies that estimate the prevalence of abortion and identify the groups of women resorting to abortion; 2) in-depth surveys and qualitative research to elucidate the social and cultural context of induced abortion; and 3) operations research to improve access to safe abortion and contraceptive services.