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 Periodical article |
| Title: | Offering an Alternative to Illegal Abortion in Nigeria |
| Author: | Odejide, T.O. |
| Year: | 1986 |
| Periodical: | New Era Nursing Image International (ISSN 0794-4373) |
| Volume: | 2 |
| Issue: | 2 |
| Pages: | 39-42 |
| Language: | English |
| Geographic term: | Nigeria |
| Subjects: | abortion Health, Nutrition, and Medicine Family Planning and Contraception |
| Abstract: | In Nigeria the problems of unplanned pregnancies and induced abortions have both social and health repercussions. A ministerial committee of inquiry reported an estimate of 500,000 ill abortions in 1980. Abortion is widespread among both young unmarried and married women. There is no nationwide data on illegal abortions, but available information from clinics, hospitals, and sample surveys show that abortion is becoming endemic particularly among adolescents. Illegal abortions constitute 1 of the major causes of adolescent maternal morbidity and mortality in Nigeria. It is the main cause of death among unmarried women aged 15-24, particularly those attending secondary school. Infertility due to tubal damage is 1 of the serious long-term complications. It invariably follows pelvic infection. Despite the risks, abortion continues to be chosen as the course of action by over 90% pregnant unmarried and working women in Nigeria. Every woman needs family planning information, education, and practice to avoid unwanted pregnancy. The lack of widespread organization of effective family planning services is possibly the greatest obstacle to overcome. Although family planning information is widespread, public knowledge of the concept is limited. Consequently, the use rate of family planning methods is only 3-7% of the population. The current sociocultural and religious climate in Nigeria leaves little alternative solution to the problem of unwanted pregnancies other than prevention through the use of contraception. |