Unsafe abortion: a cruel way of birth control.

BACKGROUND Unsafe abortion refers to a procedure for terminating an unintended pregnancy performed either by persons lacking the necessary skills or in an environment that does not conform to minimal medical standards, or both. OBJECTIVES The objectives of the study are to assess the factors attributing to practice of unsafe abortion and to suggest feasible and cost-effective measures to counter the same. METHODS An extensive search of all materials related to the topic was made using library sources including Pubmed, Medline and World Health Organization. Keywords used in the search include unsafe abortion and unintended pregnancy. RESULTS Multiple socio-demographic determinants and barriers such as illiterate women, poor socio-economic status, poor awareness about abortion services, associated stigma, and untrained health professionals have been identified resulting in restricted utilization/access of women to safe abortion services. Consequences of unsafe abortion have been alarming, seriously questioning the quality of health care delivery system. CONCLUSION Concerted and dedicated efforts of government in collaboration with the private sector, community members and non-governmental organizations are needed to ensure that women have a better access to contraceptives, abortion services, and post-abortion care that are safe, affordable, and free from stigma.