Title: Abortion and postabortion care in Uganda: a report from health care professionals and health facilities.

POPLINE Document Number: 289785

Author(s):

Prada E
Mirembe F
Ahmed FH
Nalwadda R
Kiggundu C

Source citation:

New York, New York, Alan Guttmacher Institute [AGI], 2005 May. 65 p. (Occasional Report No. 17)

Abstract:

Women in Uganda today give birth to almost seven children, on average—two more children than they would prefer. In fact, nearly half of all births in 2000 were unwanted or mistimed, up from one-third of births only five years earlier. Only 23% of married women were using contraceptives in 2000, although this proportion was about five times that in 1988. Given such facts about the gap between their desired family size and their actual fertility, as well as their low likelihood of using contraceptives, it is not surprising that many women turn to abortion. Abortion is illegal in Uganda unless a woman’s pregnancy endangers her life. As a result, the procedure is performed in secrecy and often under dangerous conditions. There are no official statistics even on abortion complications, but what data are available indicate that unsafe abortion in Uganda is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. Reliable, current data are needed, both to inform debate about the problem of unsafe abortion and to improve women’s care. This report presents results from two surveys. One is a survey of health professionals, in which 53 experts on abortion in Uganda were asked their opinions and perceptions about abortion provision and postabortion care. The second is a survey of health facilities, in which senior professionals from a nationally representative sample of facilities that treat postabortion complications were interviewed about their own perceptions and actual service provision. (excerpt)

Keywords:

Uganda
Research Report
Surveys
Health Personnel
Health Facilities
Abortion
Health Policy
Contraceptive Usage
Abortion Law
Postabortal Programs
Postabortion Care
Africa, Eastern
Africa, Sub Saharan
Africa
Developing Countries
Sampling Studies
Studies
Research Methodology
Delivery of Health Care
Health
Fertility Control, Postconception
Family Planning
Policy
Contraception
Family Planning Programs
Health Services