The implementation of safe abortion services in Ethiopia

Abstract

In 2005, a new criminal code was established to align Ethiopia's laws with its new Constitution. Following a period of intense activism and debate, abortion remained criminalized, but several significant exceptions were made, allowing for the expansion and integration of services within the public health system. The passage of the law and the establishment of technical guidelines each served as essential steps in determining the extent to which services were implemented. The integration of safe abortion services expanded the scope of practice for multiple cadres of healthcare providers, including emergency surgical officers, nurses, and health extension workers. The political will of the Ministry of Health, the research produced by the Ethiopian Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the expertise of nongovernmental organizations were essential to the implementation of services.

Keywords: Advocacy; Ethiopia; Implementation; Legalization; Maternal mortality; Public health; Safe abortion; Women's rights.