AFRICA/SOUTH AFRICA - Abortion is dangerous, mortal for many African women

Rome (Agenzia Fides) - In Africa 4.2 million dangerous abortions are carried out every year and in 30,000 cases the mother dies.
Abortion can kill when it is performed by non qualified personnel and/or in non hygienic conditions. Moreover it can often leave the mother infertile.
In South Africa, according to the national health department every year about 50,000 South African women undergo legal abortion. Health services vary from province to province, depending on levels of development and poverty. All these centres need to be better equipped with personnel and means. In many of the poorest rural areas of South Africa sexual questions and problems are not even discussed. (AP) (21/3/2007 Agenzia Fides; Righe:17; Parole:184)