What Is Abortion?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), abortion means ending a pregnancy 20 weeks (about 5 months).

Women may seek an abortion for many reasons — such as:

• A failed contraceptive (family planning) method
• Health risks to the mother
• Serious problems with the baby
• Pregnancy that is unwanted or not planned

Key point: Understanding the types of abortion helps you make safe, informed decisions about your health.

 

Safe Abortion Methods

Medical Abortion (Using Medicines)

This method uses medicines to end a pregnancy. It works best in the first 12 weeks. You may take them at home or in a clinic, depending on the laws and services in your area.
You will likely have cramping, bleeding, and passing of pregnancy tissue, which are normal parts of the process.

Because access to medicines and trained providers differs across African countries, it’s important to use quality-approved drugs and seek help from a qualified healthcare worker.

Surgical Abortion

This is done by a trained health worker in a clinic or hospital. The method depends on how far the pregnancy has gone:

• Vacuum aspiration: often used for early pregnancies (up to about 12 weeks).
• Dilation and Evacuation (D&E): used for later pregnancies. The doctor gently opens the cervix and removes the pregnancy tissue.

These procedures are safe when done by trained professionals in clean, equipped facilities.

Key point: Either medical or surgical, abortion is safest when done by qualified health professionals.

 

Preparing for Safe Abortion Care

Before having an abortion, you should have:

• Counseling: to discuss your options, risks, and what to expect.
• Pregnancy test or ultrasound: to confirm how many weeks pregnant you are.
• Health check: to review your medical history (e.g., heart problems, bleeding issues).
• Lab tests: such as blood tests and screening for infections.

Tip: Always confirm that your provider is licensed and the clinic follows medical safety standards.

 

What to Expect During and After Abortion

• Where it happens:
  • Medical abortion may partly happen at home (with follow-up).
  • Surgical abortion is done in a clinic or hospital.
• Common side effects:
  • Bleeding and cramping
  • Nausea or mild fever
• Warning signs – seek medical help immediately if you have:
  • Heavy bleeding (soaking more than two pads per hour)
  • High fever or chills
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Foul-smelling discharge
  • Feeling very weak or faint
• Follow-up:
  A check-up after 1–2 weeks ensures the abortion is complete and you’re recovering well.

 

Unsafe Abortion: A Serious Health Problem

• In Sub-Saharan Africa, unsafe abortions cause thousands of preventable deaths every year.
• According to WHO and the Guttmacher Institute:
  • Around 77% of abortions in the region are unsafe.
  • 15,000 women die each year from unsafe procedures.

Unsafe abortions are those done:

• By untrained people
• With unapproved medicines or objects
• In unclean environments

These can cause:

• Heavy bleeding or infection
• Infertility (difficulty having children later)
• Long-term illness or emotional trauma

Key points: Restrictive laws, stigma, and lack of access to proper care make unsafe abortion a major public health issue.

 

Abortion Laws and Ethics in Sub-Saharan Africa

Laws differ from country to country:

• Some, like South Africa, Cabo Verde, Angola, and São Tomé & Príncipe, allow abortion by choice within certain limits.
• In most countries, abortion is allowed only in special cases — for example, if the pregnancy threatens the mother’s life, or results from rape or incest, or if the baby has serious abnormalities.

All women deserve:

• Clear information
• Respectful, confidential counseling
• Safe, legal care where permitted

Key point: Ethical abortion care means respecting women’s rights, privacy, and dignity.

 

Why Safe Abortion Care Matters

Safe abortion saves lives. It prevents serious illness, infertility, and death caused by unsafe procedures.
It also supports women’s physical, emotional, and social well-being.

Abortion is part of comprehensive reproductive healthcare.
When it is safe, legal, and supported, women can make informed choices about their health and future.