title: Stories behind the statistics: a review of abortion-related deaths from 2005 to 2007 in Mexico City.
abstract: Evidence suggests that restricting abortion does not reduce its occurrence but increases health risk. A qualitative analysis was performed, reviewing the medical charts of 12 women who died from unsafe induced abortions in Mexico City; most deaths occurred before abortion was decriminalized. Women resorted to using unsafe techniques, without medical guidance or under incorrect recommendations by providers, ultimately resulting in the loss of their lives. Postabortion care in private and public health facilities was often inadequate. The cases illustrate the importance of liberalizing abortion laws and improving postabortion care to protect the life and health of women seeking to terminate pregnancy.
authors.affiliation: Population Council Mexico Office, Mexico City, Mexico. mariekevandijkcph@kpnmail.nl
authors.forename: Marieke G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: van Dijk
authors.forename: Armando
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ahued Ortega
authors.forename: Xipatl
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Contreras
authors.forename: Sandra G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: García
mesh_terms: D000020:Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000028:Abortion, Induced / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008800:Mexico; D016595:Misoprostol / Q000008:administration & dosage; D061214:Patient Safety; D011247:Pregnancy; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D012771:Shock, Hemorrhagic / Q000209:etiology; D012772:Shock, Septic / Q000209:etiology; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000020:Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal; D016595:Misoprostol