Prevention of morbidity and mortality from induced and unsafe abortion in Nigeria

These proceedings are from a seminar organized by the Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and Perinatology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (Nigeria) in collaboration with the Population Council. The primary purpose of the multidisciplinary seminar was to identify the determinants of the high rate of mortality and morbidity from unsafe abortion in Nigeria. The specific objectives were: 1) to identify measures that could be undertaken on a short- and long-term basis to reduce the rate of abortion-related mortality, and 2) to set an agenda for research into abortion in Nigeria. The seminar consisted of oral presentations on related topics by researchers and women\u27s health advocates, in-depth formal and informal discussions of the issues by the participants, and a workshop session. Based on the discussions, the participants agreed that it was necessary to liberalize the abortion law in the country, improve postabortion care, and focus on primary prevention of unwanted pregnancies