The Magnitude and Incidence of Unsafe Abortion

Project Period

December 2011 - March 2013

Around the world, 46 million abortions take place every year. Of these, it is estimated that nearly 22 million are unsafe. In the past decade, more than 500,000 women died from complications of unsafe abortion.

Each year, an estimated 47,000 women across the globe die from unsafe abortions. Countless others suffer serious and life-threatening injuries. Approximately 13 per cent of maternal deaths globally are attributed to unsafe abortion. Ninety-five per cent of deaths and other complications related to unsafe abortions occur in developing countries.

This study seeks to determine the magnitude of unsafe abortion, incidence of induced abortion, as well as women’s experiences of seeking and obtaining abortion. It also seeks to contribute evidence for legal and policy reform in Kenya.

Partner Institutions

  • Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation, Kenya
  • Ministry of Medical Services, Kenya
  • University of Nairobi
  • Kenyatta National Hospital
  • Ipas
  • Guttmacher Institute, USA

Project Period

  • December 2011 to March 2013