Abortion and postabortion care: ethical, legal, and policy issues in developing countries

This case study of a woman who wants to terminate her pregnancy but does not have access to safe services explores the technical, ethical, and legal effects of the Mexico City Policy (Global Gag Rule) on health care providers working in developing countries. This woman's self-induced termination resulted in an incomplete abortion, and she sought care from a midwife. The current Mexico City Policy effectively limits a health care provider's ability to offer abortion services and counseling, even when these services are legal. The policy has an adverse impact on women's access to safe care. The provision of comprehensive postabortion care, not restricted by the Mexico City Policy, is the key to preventing abortion-related morbidity and mortality.