Safe and Unsafe Abortions – SheReclaims Academy
Welcome to the Safe and Unsafe Abortions chapter of the SheReclaims Academy for Improving Maternal Health! Designed for young women ages 13–22, healthcare trainees, and community advocates, this chapter equips you with essential knowledge about reproductive health choices.
Our mission—Heal, Balance, Thrive—guides this age-appropriate, culturally sensitive learning experience. Through our secure platform, you'll gain understanding about safe practices, emotional wellbeing, and advocacy skills while connecting with a supportive community.
Together, we'll explore the differences between safe and unsafe abortion practices, barriers to accessing safe care, and the emotional impacts that many women experience during this challenging time.
Why Understanding Safe and Unsafe Abortions Matters
Every year, approximately 73 million abortions are performed worldwide, but nearly half of these—about 45%—take place in unsafe conditions. The vast majority of unsafe abortions occur in regions with restrictive laws and limited access to skilled healthcare, such as parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Latin America. Unsafe abortions contribute to an estimated 29,000 preventable maternal deaths annually and lead to over 7 million cases of complications, including life-threatening hemorrhage, severe infections like sepsis, and long-term infertility.
73M
Annual Abortions
Global total each year
45%
Unsafe Procedures
Endangering women’s lives
29K
Maternal Deaths
Preventable with safe care
7M
Complications
Severe infection, bleeding, infertility
Marginalized and younger women—especially those with low incomes, living in rural areas, or facing cultural stigma—are most at risk for unsafe abortions due to barriers like cost, lack of accurate information, and judgmental attitudes from society, families, or healthcare providers. Beyond serious physical risks, 20–30% of women worldwide report experiencing psychological distress after abortion. Most emotional harm stems from condemnation, isolation, and fear of being shamed, rather than the procedure itself. Understanding these realities helps advocates push for better access to safe care, accurate information, and compassionate support for all women.
Defining Safe and Unsafe Abortions
Safe Abortion Standards
Safe abortions are performed in hygienic environments by qualified healthcare professionals—such as certified doctors, nurses, and midwives—who use World Health Organization (WHO)-approved methods. These include medical abortion with mifepristone and misoprostol up to 12 weeks, and minor surgical procedures like manual vacuum aspiration. With correct dosage and sterile equipment, less than 2% of women experience complications, and most can safely recover at home with follow-up care.
Unsafe Abortion Risks
Unsafe abortions are usually carried out by people without medical training, in unclean settings, or using dangerous techniques. Examples include inserting sharp objects, using toxic chemicals or herbal concoctions, or overdosing on medications not intended for abortion. These unsafe practices can result in heavy bleeding, severe infection, permanent infertility, organ injury, and are a leading cause of preventable maternal deaths worldwide.
Global Context
Out of 73 million abortions globally each year, an estimated 33 million—about 45%—are considered unsafe. An overwhelming 75% of unsafe abortions occur in Africa and Latin America, where restrictive laws and social stigma limit access to care. In contrast, countries with supportive laws and health systems achieve over 90% safe abortion rates and reduce maternal deaths from unsafe procedures by 90% or more.
Recognizing these differences highlights the urgent need for informed advocacy, access to medically safe options, and stigma-free support. Early in pregnancy, safe abortion may be available via telemedicine or self-managed care under medical supervision, while treating the aftermath of unsafe abortions costs global health systems over $553 million each year.