The Potential of Medical Abortion to Reduce Maternal Mortality in Africa: What Benefits for Tanzania and Ethiopia?

摘要: BACKGROUND: Unsafe abortion is estimated to account for 13% of maternal mortality globally. Medical a safe alternative. METHODS: By estimating risks unsafe and medical childbirth Tanzania Ethiopia, we modelled changes in that are achievable if were replaced by abortion. We selected Ethiopia because their high ratios (MMRatios) contrasting situations regarding health care provision legislation. focused on misoprostol-only regimens due the drug's low cost accessibility. included impact women who would otherwise choose with unwanted/mistimed pregnancies carry term. RESULTS: Thousands lives could be saved each year country implementing using misoprostol (2122 2551 assuming coverage equals family planning services levels: 56% Tanzania, 31% Ethiopia). Changes MMRatios less pronounced intervention also affect national birth rates. CONCLUSIONS: This first analysis which takes into additional potential users other than those currently women's saved, but this may not reflected as substantial abortion's demographic impact. Therefore policy makers must aware inability some traditional measures detect real benefits offered such an intervention.