Characteristics of women who have induced abortions, type of providers used and the health consequences in Burkina Faso

Idrissa Kabore, Institut Superieur des Sciences de la Population (ISSP)
Akinrinola Bankole, Guttmacher Institute
Clémentine Rossier, Institut National d'Études Démographiques (INED)
Gilda Sedgh, Guttmacher Institute

Reducing maternal mortality remains a challenge facing Burkina Faso. With 87,200 abortions occurring annually, the majority of which are unsafe, effort to reduce maternal mortality must include a battle against unsafe abortion. Yet, little is known about the practice. Using data from a 2009 national survey of women aged 15-49, this paper examines the characteristics of women who have abortions in Burkina Faso, the providers they use and the health consequences of unsafe abortion. Preliminary evidence shows that women who have abortions are younger, live in urban areas and more educated than women who do not. Furthermore, most seek abortion from unqualified providers and about half experience complications. Half of those received care in health facilities. Through a national profile of women who obtain abortions and the conditions of abortion provision, this paper will help policy makers and program planners put in place measures to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality.