Abortion in India: current situation and future challenges.

Abstract

Induced abortion has been practiced to varying degrees in all cultures by women facing unwanted pregnancies. Abortion can be a safe procedure when performed properly by trained health personnel. However as abortion is legally restricted in many countries women resort to unsafe abortion. It is a major cause of maternal deaths injuries and illnesses worldwide. In India according to the Office of the Registrar General of India abortion is an important cause of maternal death and contributes to about 12 percent of maternal deaths every year (Registrar General of India 1990). (authors)