Safe Abortion

In June 1999 a United Nations General Assembly Special Session reviewed and appraised progress toward implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) held in Cairo 1994. At this Special Session the Governments of the world again recognized unsafe abortion as a major public health concern and pledged their commitment to reduce the need for abortion through expanded and improved family planning services.

They also agreed that in circumstances where abortion is not against the law health systems should train and equip health-service providers and should take other measures to ensure that such abortion is safe and accessible. Additional measures should be taken to safeguard women's health.

This technical and policy guidance publication is the outcome of a Technical Consultation of an extensive review of evidence and of additional review by experts from around the world in the fields of medicine social science law ethics provision of services and information and health policy.

This publication should be of use to a wide range of health professionals and others inside and outside governments who are working to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity. It provides a comprehensive overview of the many actions that can be taken to ensure access to good quality abortion services as allowed by law.