Improved Access To Safe Abortion Needed To Reduce Maternal Death Rate In Ghana, Advocate Says

Main Category: Abortion
Also Included In: Women's Health / Gynecology
Article Date: 24 Nov 2008 - 7:00 PST

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Ghana's government should increase efforts to encourage safe abortion procedures and provide reproductive health education to reduce its maternal mortality rate, Jehu Appiah -- country director of Ipas Ghana -- said in a recent speech during an advocate training meeting at the University of Ghana, Ghana's Statesman reports. According to Appiah, unsafe abortion procedures account for 30% of maternal deaths in Ghana. Many Ghanaians overlook the 1985 law that legalized abortion, Appiah said, adding that government enforcement is needed to ensure safe access to abortion procedures. Appiah said cultural and religious beliefs also contribute to maternal deaths from unsafe abortions. He added that women often "opt for abortion whenever they get pregnant" and "use all sort of means to just get rid of the pregnancy because of public ridicule."

Appiah pressed officials to make maternal health a priority and strengthen partnerships aimed at funding and improving sexual and reproductive health programs. He also called for the inclusion of family planning products, especially emergency contraception for rape survivors, in Ghana's national health insurance program. The meeting was organized by Ghana Women's Voice in partnership with Ipas Ghana (Ani-Awukubea, Statesman, 11/20).

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