Trends of abortion complications in a transition of abortion law revisions in Ethiopia.
BACKGROUND
Evidence from developed countries has shown that abortion-related mortality and morbidity has decreased with the liberalization of the abortion law. This study aimed to assess the trend of hospital-based abortion complications during the transition of legalization in Ethiopia in May 2005.


METHODS
Medical records of women with abortion complications from 2003 to 2007 were reviewed (n = 773). Abortion and its complications with regard to legalization were described by rates and ratios, and predictors of fatal outcomes were analyzed by logistic regression.


RESULTS
The overall and abortion-related maternal mortality ratios (AMMRs) showed a non-statistically significant downward trend over the 5-year period. However, the case fatality rate of abortion increased from 1.1% in 2003 to 3.6% in 2007. Late gestational age, history of interference and presenting after new abortion legislation passed have been found to be significant predictors of mortality.


CONCLUSIONS
Decreased trends of abortion ratio and the AMMR were identified, but the severity of abortion complications and the case fatality rate increased during the transition of legal revision.
Gebrehiwot
Yirgu
Y
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Addis Ababa University, PO Box 9086, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. yirgug@yahoo.com
Liabsuetrakul
Tippawan
T
D000028:Abortion, Induced / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000401:mortality / Q000639:trends*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005002:Ethiopia / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D008485:Medical Audit; D009026:Mortality; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications; D055815:Young Adult