A Description of Morbidity from Abortion Complications in Ethiopia, 2008 and 2014

Tamara Fetters, Ipas
Hailemichael Gebreselassie, Ipas
Yirgu Gebrehiwot, Addis Ababa University
Mengistu H. Mariam, Government of Ethiopia
Yohannes Dibaba, Independent Consultant
Yonas Getachew, Ipas

Background: This research provides a national description of abortion complications in Ethiopia in 2014, comparing them to a similar 2008 study. Methods: Prospective abortion-related morbidity data were collected on symptoms and treatment of 2,925 women seeking PAC in 369 health facilities over 30 days. Results: Socio-demographic characteristics of women seeking PAC changed in 2014 with more single, fewer married, and younger women presenting with complications. Almost two-thirds of all women received contraception. A smaller proportion, 11%, told their provider they tried to interrupt their pregnancies. Most women presented in the first trimester, yet over 40% had been referred by another provider. Although the morbidity pattern was similar in both years, less than 1% of all women died. In absolute numbers, seven women died in 2008 and two in 2014. This research has national and global implications exploring abortion morbidity longitudinally and assessing the impact of abortion policy reform over time.