Backstreet abortion dangers

Illegal abortions, sometimes called backstreet abortions, are usually performed by people without any medical knowledge or even by the pregnant women and girls. They are extremely risky and unsafe. Girls and women may try several methods, such as taking herbal remedies or attempting to insert sharp object into their vagina and cervix to abort the unwanted pregnancy.

Talking to MWNation, Dr Maranatha Banda, who works at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, recalled the case of a sixteen-year-old girl. The girl used sticks and other unsterilized sharp objects to terminate her pregnancy. She suffered severe infection and later died.

MWNation reports that while abortion is still controversial here in Malawi, there is growing support for better laws. Many activists point to how less strict abortion laws in countries like Ethiopia and South Africa have almost halved maternal deaths.
But it’s not just abortion laws that activists want to change. Ensuring better access to contraception can also decrease the need for abortions. As they say, prevention is best!

Director of Reproductive Health Unit in the Ministry of Health, Mary Mulombe Phiri, says increased use of contraception has prevented thousands of unplanned pregnancies and unsafe abortions. Activists across the country are calling for even better and easier access to contraception for young people.

**Attempting an abortion by yourself or without proper medical care can put your life in danger.**

**Never attempt an abortion yourself. If you think you might be pregant, visit a government clinic, Blue Star clinic of Banja La Mtsogolo clinic for advice - even before you are pregnant. Proper use of contraception can help prevent pregnancy. You can also call the Tithandizane National Helpline 116-toll free line for guidance and counseling any time.**