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Unsafe abortion: worldwide estimates for 2000
1Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization (WHO RHR), Geneva, Switzerland.
Reproductive Health Matters
|October 9, 2002
Summary
Unsafe abortion remains a major cause of maternal death globally, with 19 million cases annually, mostly in developing nations. Addressing this preventable issue is crucial for improving maternal health worldwide.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Global Health
- Reproductive Health
Background:
- Unsafe abortion is a leading, yet preventable, cause of maternal morbidity and mortality, particularly in developing regions.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) has established systematic methods for estimating the global and regional incidence of unsafe abortions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present global and regional estimates of unsafe abortion incidence.
- To highlight the disparities in unsafe abortion rates and outcomes worldwide.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a systematic approach developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to estimate unsafe abortion incidence.
- Analyzing data from around the year 2000 to provide regional and global figures.
Main Results:
- An estimated 19 million unsafe abortions occurred annually around 2000, with nearly all in developing countries.
- Regional rates varied significantly: Latin America and the Caribbean (26/1000 women), Africa (22/1000 women), and Asia (11/1000 women).
- Developed countries reported a much lower ratio of one unsafe abortion per 25 live births compared to developing regions.
Conclusions:
- Unsafe abortion represents a significant global health challenge, disproportionately affecting women in developing countries.
- Substantial regional variations in unsafe abortion rates underscore the need for targeted interventions.
- Improving access to safe abortion services is essential for reducing preventable maternal mortality and morbidity.