Abortion Care in Ghana: A Critical Review of the Literature
Abstract
The Government of Ghana has taken important steps to mitigate the impact of unsafe abortion. However, the expected decline in maternal deaths is yet to be realized. This literature review aims to present findings from empirical research directly related to abortion provision in Ghana and identify gaps for future research. A total of four (4) databases were searched with the keywords
“Ghana and abortion” and hand review of reference lists was conducted. All abstracts were reviewed. The final include sample was 39 articles. Abortion-related complications represent a large component of admissions to gynecological wards in hospitals in Ghana as well as a large contributor to maternal mortality. Almost half of the included studies were hospital-based, mainly chart reviews. This review has identified gaps in the literature including: interviewing women who have sought unsafe abortions and with healthcare providers who may act as gatekeepers to women wishing to access safe abortion services. (Afr J Reprod Health 2014; 18[3]: 17-35)
Keywords: Abortion, Ghana, Review
Résumé
Le gouvernement du Ghana a pris des mesures importantes pour atténuer l'impact de l'avortement à risque. Cependant, la baisse attendue de la mortalité maternelle est encore à réaliser. Cette revue de la documentation a pour but de présenter les résultats de recherches empiriques directement liés à la prestation de l'avortement au Ghana et d'identifier les lacunes de la recherche future. Un total de quatre (4) bases de données ont été recherchées avec les mots clés "Ghana et l'avortement" et la révision à main des listes de référence a été menée. Tous les résumés ont été examinés. Le dernier échantillon comprenait 39 articles. Les complications liées à l'avortement représentent une composante importante des admissions en services de gynécologie dans les hôpitaux au Ghana ainsi que d'un grand contributeur à la mortalité maternelle. Presque la moitié des études incluses ont été en milieu hospitalier, principalement l'examen des dossiers. Ce compte rendu a identifié des lacunes dans la documentation, y compris: interviewer les femmes qui ont recherché des avortements à risque et avec les fournisseurs de soins de santé qui peuvent agir comme gardiens de femmes qui souhaitent avoir accès aux services d'avortement sans risque. (Afr J Reprod Health 2014; 18[3]: 17-35)
Mots-clés: avortement, Ghana, Revue
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