An unequal burden: risk factors for severe complications following unsafe abortion in Tigray, Ethiopia

Unsafe abortion is a leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide. A total of 266 women seeking care at health facilities for the treatment of incomplete abortion in Tigray, Ethiopia were studied, and factors associated with severe complications related to unsafe abortion were assessed. Women had significantly higher odds of experiencing severe clinical complications if they were married compared with unmarried (odds ratio 3.98; 95% confidence interval, 1.75-9.04) or were seen in a mid- or low-level health facility (a health center or health post) compared with a high-level facility (a hospital) (odds ratio 4.77; 95% confidence interval, 1.87-12.19). The findings support the need to provide family planning programs that involve men and the need to expand access to confidential, safe abortion services by mid-level providers so that pregnancy termination no longer means placing women's lives and health in danger.