Each year, around 73 million induced abortions take place globally. This astonishing number reveals a significant truth about reproductive health—abortion is not just a medical procedure; it is a common, often critical, element of healthcare. Yet despite its frequency, nearly half of these abortions are unsafe, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
This is not just a developing-world issue; it’s a global crisis that affects women everywhere, from low-resource countries to first-world nations like the United States. The WHO defines an " unsafe abortion " as a procedure performed by an unqualified person or in an environment lacking the necessary medical standards. These unsafe conditions lead to a staggering range of complications, including infection, haemorrhage, and even death.
What makes this reality all the more tragic is that unsafe abortions are entirely preventable. Abortion, when performed using methods recommended by WHO and by trained professionals, is one of the safest medical procedures available. Yet for millions of women, safe abortion care remains out of reach due to legal, social, and financial barriers.
Evidence shows that restricting access to safe abortions does not stop abortions, but it does drive women and girls towards unsafe procedures. 🔴 Unsafe abortions result in millions of hospitalizations each year, bringing major health risks. 👉 https://t.
co/4zhRn6NAY9 pic.twitter.com/YsdEOY5mWT Abortion is straightforward from a medical sta.
