Morbidity and mortality from induced illegal abortion at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu: a five year review

Abstract

Eighty-four cases of illegally induced abortion presented at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (1982-1986), or 4 per 1000 deliveries. Seventy-one percent of the patients were 20 years or younger and 8 out of 10 were nulliparous. Medical practitioners were responsible for one-third of the cases. Presentation and treatment are described. Fifteen women died (179 per 1000 cases). The true number of deaths from abortion in the community is probably higher.