The potential of medical abortion to reduce maternal mortality in Africa: what benefits for Tanzania and Ethiopia?

ABSTRACT:

Background

Unsafe abortion is estimated to account for 13% of maternal mortality globally. Medical abortion is a safe alternative.

Methods

By estimating mortality risks for unsafe and medical abortion and childbirth for Tanzania and Ethiopia, we modelled changes in maternal mortality that are achievable if unsafe abortion were replaced by medical abortion. We selected Ethiopia and Tanzania because of their high maternal mortality ratios (MMRatios) and contrasting situations regarding health care provision and abortion legislation. We focused on misoprostol-only regimens due to the drug's low cost and accessibility. We included the impact of medical abortion on women who would otherwise choose unsafe abortion and on women with unwanted/mistimed pregnancies who would otherwise

SUBMITTER: Baggaley RF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2952582 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature