Views of professional health workers on unsafe abortion in Accra metropolis, Ghana

Abstract

This thesis seeks to appraise the views of professional health workers on unsafe abortion in the Accra Metropolis, Ghana. The main data for the study were obtained from 30 professional health workers with at least two years working experience in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, in three health facilities in the Accra Metropolis (La General Hospital, Ridge Hospital and Marie Stopes International). In-depth interviews were used to obtain data. Stigmatisation from friends, family, community and religious groups was the main barrier that affected women’s choice of access to safe abortion services. On the issue of methods used, women mostly used misoprostol (cytotec) to terminate unwanted pregnancies. The reason was that misoprostol presents fewer complications. Others resort to herbal mixtures and other concoctions made from several items. The most common complications that were usually presented to the facilities were incomplete abortions, severe bleeding and infections. The professional health workers interviewed knew about the abortion law and could mention at least one condition stipulated in the legal framework. Among the interventions suggested to address unsafe abortion was public education, particularly on the abortion laws of Ghana. The main reason was that people, including some professional health workers lack understanding and interpretation of the abortion. The findings show that there is the need to promote access to comprehensive abortion care. This would help prevent unwanted pregnancies and also manage complications associated with unsafe abortion.