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[ Recorded presentation ] Recorded presentation

Abortion policies and maternal mortality: A study of reproductive health rights in Sub-Sahara Africa

Olufunke A. Akiyode, BSc, Health Service Administration, Strayer University, 9917 doubletree lane, upper marlboro, MD 20774, 2404222900, adesuwaak@yahoo.com

Abortion is the termination of a pregnancy by removal of the fetus from the uterus. The World Health Organization defines Maternal Mortality as the death of a woman while pregnant or within 42 days of termination (via delivery, miscarriage or abortion) of pregnancy, irrespective of the duration and the site of the pregnancy, from any cause related to or aggravated by the pregnancy or its management, but not from accidental or incidental causes. Abortion policies are commonly controversial laws in almost every country of the world. Supporters of Abortion claim that legalization of abortion reduces Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) while anti abortion activists refute this claim. The global MMR is 390 births per 1000 births and unsafe abortion is causes more than 13% of maternal deaths. The paper analyses the impact of Abortion policies on MMR and Women's Reproductive Health Rights globally. It draws its case study from the Sub Sahara African region of the world since 32% of the world poor is located in the SSA region of the world and 50% live in extreme poverty. It also proffers recommendations to manage and administer these abortion policies to suit opposing sides, improve maternal mortality rate, and protect women's reproductive health and rights.

Learning Objectives: At the end of the presentation, the participants will be able to

Keywords: Abortion, Reproductive Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

[ Recorded presentation ] Recorded presentation

Women’s Rights in International Settings: Violations of Human Rights?

The 134th Annual Meeting & Exposition (November 4-8, 2006) of APHA