The Contribution of Unsafe Abortion to Mortality and Morbidity in Nigeria: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Introduction: Unsafe abortion is a cause of maternal mortality and a leading cause of morbidity among women of reproductive age between the ages of 15 to 49 years. Between 2015 and 2019, an estimated 73.3 million abortions are anticipated to be performed annually, with roughly 8 million of those cases taking place in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Unsafe abortion practices play a significant role in Nigeria's high maternal mortality rate of 800 deaths per 100,000 live births. In Nigeria, abortion is only legalised in situations where a mother's life is in danger, such as incest or rape. Objective: This research aimed to identify the complications and maternal mortality associated with unsafe abortion and make recommendations for policy change. Methods: Several databases were used, and the Prisma guidelines for narrative reviews were followed, to conduct a narrative literature review. Among the databases were CNAHL and Med-line. Twenty studies in total were chosen for this study based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. This research used the human rights framework and feminism theory and a lens to understanding the impact of abortion restrictions on women in Nigeria. Findings: Unsafe abortion leads to maternal mortality in Nigeria and about 8 patients in our study had maternal deaths. Complications from unsafe abortion included bleeding, infection, peritonitis, incomplete abortion, and infertility. The most frequent complications, according to the data, were incomplete abortion (30.3%), sepsis (27.17%), and haemorrhage (20.27%). Maternal deaths were 2.3%. Recommendation: There is a need for policy change in Nigeria due to unsafe abortion related complications and mortality. Abortion should also be allowed following mental, social and economic reasons and also on a woman’s request. Conclusion: There is substantial evidence that unsafe abortion leads to maternal mortality and complications, hence there is a need for policy reform on unsafe abortion.