Induced abortion in Uganda: how much has it changed between 2003 and 2013?

Elena Prada, Guttmacher Institute
Akinrinola Bankole, Guttmacher Institute
Nakeisha Blades, Guttmacher Institute
Justine Bukenya, Makerere University
Lynn M. Atuyambe, Makerere University
Christopher G. Orach, Makerere University

Unsafe abortion is very common in Uganda despite a highly restrictive law. In 2013, an estimated 128,280 women were treated for abortion complications and 309,900 induced abortions occurred, both slightly up from 110,000 and 294,000 in 2003, respectively. While use of modern contraceptives increased significantly over the period (14% to 26%), minimal change occurred in the level of unmet need for modern contraception (40%-38%) and in the proportion of unintended pregnancies (49%-51%). However, both remain very high. The aim of this paper is to a) present the new national and regional estimates of induced abortion incidence for 2013; b) examine the extent of abortion morbidity and treatment of complications, and c) assess trends in induced abortion and abortion morbidity between 2003 and 2013. Up-to-date information on abortion incidence and morbidity are essential to allow policy makers and program planners to make informed decisions.