Abortion

Understanding Abortion: What every African should know

What is abortion?

Abortion is when a pregnancy ends before the baby is developed enough to survive outside the womb. In Ghana, this is considered before 28 weeks of pregnancy. Most abortions happen within the first 12 weeks.

Abortion can happen naturally (miscarriage) or be done intentionally (induced abortion). Miscarriages are common, affecting about 20% of all pregnancies. However, induced abortions happen for different reasons, and laws about them vary across African countries.

How common is abortion in Africa?

In Africa, abortion is widespread, though many happen unsafely. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 6.2 million unsafe abortions occur in Africa every year, leading to severe health complications and even death. In Ghana, many young women, including teenagers, undergo unsafe abortions due to lack of knowledge or fear of being judged.

How is abortion done?

There are two main ways abortion is done:

Medical abortion (using pills)

This method involves taking two medicines, mifepristone and misoprostol, which cause the body to pass the pregnancy naturally. This method is available in health facilities and is covered by Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

  • How it works: The first pill (mifepristone) blocks the hormone needed for pregnancy. The second pill (misoprostol) causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.
  • Timeframe: Can be used up to 10 weeks of pregnancy.
  • Side effects: Heavy bleeding, cramping, nausea, and weakness.
  • Recovery: Periods return in 4-6 weeks; pregnancy can happen again within 3 weeks.
  • Who should avoid it? Women with ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the womb), bleeding disorders, or those using certain medications.

Surgical abortion

This is done by a trained doctor in a health facility and involves removing the pregnancy using medical instruments.

  • Vacuum aspiration: Done within the first 12-16 weeks. A gentle suction is used to remove the pregnancy.
  • Dilation and evacuation (D&E): Used after 12 weeks. The doctor widens the cervix and removes the pregnancy using special tools.
  • Recovery: Rest is needed for a few days; avoid sex for at least one week.
  • Risks: If done by a trained health professional, the risks are minimal. However, unsafe surgical abortions can cause infections, heavy bleeding, or infertility.

Spontaneous abortion (miscarriage)

Miscarriages can happen naturally for different reasons:

  • Genetic issues
  • Illness of the mother
  • Womb abnormalities
  • Stress or physical trauma
  • Use of certain medications or drugs

If you experience heavy bleeding or severe pain in early pregnancy, seek medical help immediately.

Is abortion legal in Ghana?

Ghana’s law allows abortion under the following conditions:

  • If the pregnancy is due to rape, incest, or defilement.
  • If continuing the pregnancy will harm the mother’s physical or mental health.
  • If the baby has a serious abnormality.
  • If the mother has a severe mental illness.

Abortions must be done by a registered medical practitioner in a licensed health facility.

Dangers & myths about abortion?

Dangers of unsafe abortion:

  • Severe infections
  • Excessive bleeding
  • Infertility
  • Death

Many women risk their lives by going to unqualified people for unsafe abortions. In Ghana, unsafe abortions contribute to 11% of maternal deaths.

Common myths & facts?

  • “Abortion causes permanent infertility.” False. A safe abortion does not stop you from having children in the future.
  • “Traditional herbs are a safe way to abort a pregnancy.” False. Many herbal concoctions can cause serious infections and organ damage.
  • “Abortion is illegal in Ghana.” False. Abortion is legal under certain conditions.

Advice for those considering abortion?

  • Seek medical help from a licensed health facility. Unsafe abortion is dangerous.
  • Talk to a doctor, nurse, or midwife about the safest options available.
  • Consider family planning methods to prevent unplanned pregnancies in the future.
  • Know your rights. Don’t let fear or misinformation push you into unsafe practices.

Final thoughts?

Abortion is a sensitive topic, but your health is important. If you or someone you know is facing an unplanned pregnancy, get the right information and seek safe medical care. Taking care of your health today protects your future!