Unsafe Abortion with Perforated Cervical Injury and Consequential Severe Haemorrhage: A Call for Multi-Sectoral Action. “Case Report”

Unsafe abortion is a leading but preventable cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. Nearly 73 million induced abortions occur globally every year, about half of which are unsafe, thus resulting in different degree of complications. This case reports the experience of a young unmarried woman who suffered a life-threatening haemorrhage from punctured injury to the cervix, resulting in false tract creation during the procedure of unwanted pregnancy termination performed by a quack. She was successfully managed, offered post abortion counselling and contraceptive among other post abortion care.

Unsafe abortion is a global phenomenon unlimited by national boundaries. The brunt is deeply suffered by women in developing countries. To tackle these problems, multi-sectoral efforts should be aimed at improving access to contraceptives in a non judgemental, adolescent friendly manner. Human rights issues surrounding illiteracy, unemployment, and socio-cultural deprivation infringe upon women should be eradicated through gender sensitive legislations and women friendly policies. Global approach involving political stakeholders and public health to discuss the alarming rate of unsafe abortion and galvanize resources at improving family planning services.