Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation

Researchers at the World Health Organization have recently documented  a substantial decrease in the numbers of unsafe abortion deaths, but the incidence of unsafe abortion itself has not decreased. Anti-abortion laws in developing countries cause grave harm and endanger women's lives and health. As long as these antiquated laws remain in place,  unsafe abortion and its resulting maternal mortality and morbidity will continue.

New estimates suggesting reduced numbers of maternal deaths are cause for celebration but not complacency especially in regard to unsafe abortion.