Complications of induced abortions and their preventions in Ghana

Two hundred and twelve patients were admitted because of complications of induced abortions. 58% of those abortions had been performed outside designated health institutions despite the liberalisation of the abortion law in Ghana about ten years ago. Ghanaian society still seems to perceive abortions as illegal or unethical and hence to be procured clandestinely. The overall mortality rate was 2.4% whilst the case fatality rate for septic abortions was over three times this rate. The surgical intervention rate was high at about 94%. Over 50% of laparotomies were for ectopic pregnancy. Suspicion of ectopic pregnancy must always be borne in mind if undue delay in their management is to be avoided in all cases of complicated induced abortions especially when the patients have risk factors. None of the patients used a modern contraceptive method over the three months preceding the index pregnancy and post-arbortal contraceptive counselling was infrequent. Effective and widespread contraceptive use and continuing education of doctors remain pivotal if the incidence of abortions and their complications are to be reduced.