As the world paused to observe International Safe Abortion Day on September 28, 2025, a chorus of voices from the medical community and advocacy groups rang out, calling attention to the stark realities and urgent needs surrounding abortion access. The day, marked globally under the theme “Safe Abortion is Life-Saving Healthcare!”, served as a rallying point for those fighting to ensure that women and girls everywhere have access to safe, legal, and respectful abortion services. Behind the advocacy, though, lie sobering statistics and deeply personal stories that underscore just how high the stakes remain.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 25 million unsafe abortions occur each year around the globe, resulting in significant health risks, complications, and—tragically—preventable deaths. Gynaecologist Dr Koketso Pule, speaking to Newsroom Afrika, emphasized that globally, about 45% of all abortions are performed unsafely. "Unsafe abortions are a significant public health issue," Dr Pule explained. "It means that if safe and regulated access to abortion services is available, women’s lives can be saved. The barriers surrounding termination of unwanted pregnancies—whether legal, social, or economic—are the root cause of these preventable deaths."
The numbers are staggering: unsafe abortions contribute to an estimated 3% of preventable maternal deaths, and, as Dr Pule highlighted, "the figure of 13% maternal mortality linked to unsafe abortion is substantial, especially considering the global targets to reduce maternal deaths." The consequences are not abstract. For too many women, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, the lack of access to safe abortion services can mean the difference between life and death.
But what exactly does "safe abortion" mean? As described in reporting by Western Post, safe abortion refers to the medically supervised termination of pregnancy, performed by trained healthcare providers using evidence-based procedures and protocols. This approach prioritizes the individual’s health, well-being, and autonomy, minimizing complications and ensuring better overall outcomes. In stark contrast, unsafe abortions—often performed by unskilled individuals or in non-medical settings—can lead to severe complications such as hemorrhage, infection, and injury, all of which contribute to the preventable deaths that continue to haunt global health statistics.
Medical experts and advocates alike stress the life-saving potential of safe abortion care. As Mr. Moroof Olabode, Executive Director of the Olabode Youth and Women Initiatives (OYAWIN), put it, "By prioritizing safe abortion care, we can reduce maternal mortality, promote reproductive rights, and improve health outcomes." According to OYAWIN, a youth- and women-led nonprofit organization working in underserved and rural communities across Nigeria, access to safe abortion is essential for advancing reproductive health, autonomy, and well-being. Their mission, particularly in areas where stigma and lack of resources are acute, is to empower women and adolescent girls to make informed decisions about their bodies and futures.
But the path to universal access is riddled with obstacles. Legal restrictions remain a formidable barrier in many countries, forcing individuals to seek unsafe alternatives. Social stigma further discourages women from seeking the care they need, while inadequate training among healthcare providers limits the availability and quality of safe abortion services. According to Western Post, expanding access requires a multifaceted approach: comprehensive sex education, well-trained healthcare providers, and stigma-free, respectful healthcare services.
Dr Pule, reflecting on the situation in South Africa, drew a direct line between societal challenges and the frequency of abortions. "Abortions are frequent because of the harsh realities many women face within our communities," she noted. Gender-based violence, rape, and incest are all too common, leading to a high number of unwanted pregnancies. In such cases, abortion is not just a matter of choice, but often a medical necessity. Dr Pule elaborated, "There are circumstances where pregnancy poses serious threats to a woman’s health, such as underlying medical conditions or complications that worsen during pregnancy. Medical termination of pregnancy can often be a necessary intervention to protect a woman’s life." She provided concrete examples: "If a woman has uncontrolled hypertension or renal disease, pregnancy can exacerbate these conditions. Similarly, heart conditions and autoimmune diseases like lupus can worsen during pregnancy. In such cases, continuing the pregnancy may pose a life-threatening risk, making medical termination essential."
Despite legal provisions in South Africa that support abortion rights, Dr Pule pointed out that significant barriers to healthcare access persist, particularly for young girls. "Access to healthcare facilities could be improved significantly. Stigma surrounding safe termination services continues to limit access. This is also linked to a lack of education, misinformation, and a shortage of safe spaces for young women," she said. The persistent stigma is not unique to South Africa; it is a global phenomenon that continues to undermine the safety and dignity of those seeking abortion care.
Education, it seems, is a common thread running through all effective solutions. Comprehensive sex education not only informs individuals about their reproductive health and rights but also helps to dismantle the myths and misconceptions that fuel stigma. Empowering healthcare professionals—especially nurses—to provide compassionate, non-judgmental care is another crucial step. "We must prioritize education and empower healthcare professionals, including nurses, to provide compassionate, non-judgmental care," Dr Pule urged.
Yet, even as advocates push for progress, the reality remains that without increased awareness, education, and supportive health policies, unsafe abortions will continue to jeopardize the health and lives of women and girls. As the world marked Safe Abortion Day, voices like those of Dr Pule and Mr. Olabode served as a reminder that safe abortion is not just a medical issue—it is a matter of human rights, equality, and social justice.
The message from this year’s International Safe Abortion Day is clear: access to safe, legal, and respectful abortion care is not a privilege, but a fundamental part of comprehensive reproductive health. It is essential for reducing maternal mortality, promoting reproductive autonomy, and achieving global development goals. For millions of women and girls, the fight for safe abortion is about more than policy—it is about survival, dignity, and the right to make decisions about their own bodies.
With continued advocacy, education, and reform, the hope is that future generations will look back on this moment not as a time of crisis, but as a turning point in the global struggle for reproductive justice.
