Illegal abortion in Nigeria and its effects on women's health—a serious problem requiring an urgent solution

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of the increasing problem of illegal abortion in Nigeria. Such terminations have been shown to have serious consequences in terms of mortality/morbidity in the female population. They also have considerable financial implications due to medical care necessitated by complications arising from abortions carried out in unhygienic conditions and by untrained persons. The Jakarta Declaration shapes the way forward to resolving this problem through health promotion.

Key words:

• abortion
• contraception
• health education