1. Home
  2. Vol 28, No 10 (2024)
  3. Kuti

Unsafe termination of pregnancy where abortion is illegal: A Botswana context-specific study

Emang M. Kuti(1), Kelebogile P. Olyn(2), Johanna M. Mathibe-Neke(3),


(1) Ministry of Health, Department of Clinical Services, Botswana
(2) University of South Africa, Department of Health Studies, Pretoria, South Africa
(3) University of South Africa, Department of Health Studies, Pretoria, South Africa
Corresponding Author

Abstract


Unsafe pregnancy termination contributes to morbidity and mortality among women globally. Despite Botswana's restrictive abortion laws, women continue to use unsafe abortion methods. This study aimed to explore factors that contributes to unsafe termination of pregnancies in Ngami sub-district, Botswana. A qualitative descriptive and exploratory research approach, using a phenomenological design, was applied. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with women admitted to the gynecological ward from June to August 2021. Data saturation was reached with the 12th participant. Data was analyzed thematically. The study revealed two major themes: factors contributing to unsafe abortions, and interventions to reduce unsafe abortions. The study underscores the global issue of unsafe abortion that leads to high morbidity and mortality, and long-term complications. An overall recommendation is for Botswana to reconsider its abortion law and aim to prevent unsafe abortions and reduce healthcare costs.

References


WHO. Preventing Unsafe Abortion.2019a. Geneva. WHO.

Accessed 03 July 2023.

WHO.Abortion.2021.Geneva.WHO. Accessed 03 July

Byrne ME, Omoluabi E, OlaOlorun FM, Moreau C and Bell

SO. Determinants of women preferred and actual

abortion provision locations in Nigeria.2021. Reprod

Health 18, 240. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12978-021-

-w.Accessed 01 July 2023

Loi U, Lindgren M, Faxelid E, Oguttu M and KlingbergAllvin M. A qualitative study of women’s

experiences in Kisumu, Kenya. 2018. Reproductive

Health 15:1-12. From: Accessed 01 July 2023.

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12978-018-0612-6.

Debela TF and Mekuria MS. Knowledge and attitude of

women towards the legalization of abortion in the

selected town of Ethiopia: a cross sectional study.

Reprod Health 15: 190.

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12978-018-0634-

Accessed 03 July 2023.

Mukanga B, Zulu T, Nyirenda H, Daka V and Mulenga, D.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Towards Unsafe

Abortions Among Tertiary Education Female

Students in Kitwe, Zambia.2020. African Journal of

Health, Nursing and Midwifery. 3 (6): 99-

Accessed 03 July 2023.

Bearak J, Popinchalk A, Ganatra B, Moller A, Tunçalp O,

Beavin C, Kwok L and Alkema, L. Unintended

pregnancy and abortion by income, region, and the

legal status of abortion: estimates from a

comprehensive model for 1990–2019. Lancet Global

Health. 2020. 8(9): e1152–e1161.Accessed 03 July

UNFPA Botswana/ Ministry of Health/WHO. Policy brief.

A multifaceted approach to prevent unsafe abortion.

Redoubling efforts to reduce maternal mortality.

Accessed 03 July 2023.

Republic of Botswana. Penal Code (amendment) Act. (Act

no.15, 1991).1991. Gaborone: Government Printer.

Accessed 03 July 2022.

Polit, DF & Beck, CT. 2017. Nursing research. Generating

and assessing evidence for nursing practice. 10th

edition. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer

Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

World Health Organization. Corona virus and other

infectious diseases: Advice for the public:

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19).2019a. Geneva:

WHO. Accessed 03 July 2023.

Getahun GK, Kidane, M, Fekade W, Shitemaw T and

Negash Z. Exploring the reasons for unsafe abortion

among women in the reproductive age group in

western. Ethiopia, Clinical Epidemiology and Global

Health. 22: 2023.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cegh.2023.101301.

Accessed 03 July 2023.

Bellizzi S, Mannava P, Nagai M, and Sobel H M. Reasons

for discontinuation of contraception among women

with a current unintended pregnancy in 36 low and

middle-income countries, Contraception.2020.

(1): 2020. 26-33. Accessed 06 July

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.contraception.2019.0

006.WHO.Geneva

Holten L, de Goeij E and Kleiverda G. Permeability of

abortion care in the Netherlands: a qualitative

analysis of women's experiences, health professional

perspectives, and the internet resource of Women on

Web. Sex Reprod Health Matters. 2021.

(1):1917042. doi:

1080/26410397.2021.1917042.

Bankole A, Remez L, Owolabi O, Philbin J and Williams

P. Unsafe to safe abortion in Sub-Saharan Africa,

slow but steady progress.2020. New York:

Guttmacher Institute. Accessed 01 July 2023.From:

https://www.guttmacher.org/report/from-unsafe-tosafe-abortion-in-subsaharan-africa.

Faundes A, Comendant R, Dilbaz B, Jaldesa G, Leke R,

Mukherjee B, De Gil MP and Tavara L. The FIGO

initiative for the prevention. Preventing unsafe

abortion: Achievements and challenges of a global

FIGO initiative.2020. Best Practice and Research

Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology 62:25.

Accessed 03 July 2023.

Zia Y, Mugo N, Ngure K, Odoyo J, Casmir E, Ayiera E,

Bukusi E and Heffron R. Psychosocial experiences

of adolescent girls and young women after abortion

in Sub-Saharan Africa and globally: A systematic

review.2021. Reproductive Health 3:1-9. Accessed

July 2023.From:

https://doi.org/10.3389/frph.2021.638013.

Fite A and Cherie A. Risky sexual behavior and its

determinants among orphan and vulnerable children in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 2016. World Journal of

AIDS 6:2-7. DOI: 10.4236/wja.2016.64015.

Rosen JG, Kayeyi N, Chibuye M, Phiri L, Namukonda ES,

and Mbizvo MT. Sexual debut and risk behaviors

among orphaned and vulnerable children in Zambia:

Which protective deficits shape HIV risk? 2022.

Vulnerable Child Youth Studies 17(2):8-9. Accessed

July 2023.

Kc H, Shrestha M, Pokharel N, Niraula S R, Pyakurel P and

Parajuli SB. Women's empowerment for abortion

and family planning decision making among

marginalized women in Nepal: A mixed method

study. Reproductive Health.2021. 18(1):2. DOI:

1186/s12978-021-01087-x. Accessed 03 July


Full Text: PDF

Article Metrics

Abstract View : 1153 times
PDF Download : 534 times

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.