Women need a broad range of reproductive health services in addition to birth control. Reducing discrimination against girls and women, improving health services, bettering educational opportunities for girls and providing greater equity in the labour force will also be necessary if women are to gain control over their childbearing. Increased international support will be needed to cover these costs. Women who become pregnant accidentally and feel they are not in a position to raise a child often go to great lengths to obtain an abortion. Some 21 million of the 52 million abortions performed annually occur in countries where abortion is illegal.
Clandestine abortions performed under unsafe conditions frequently result in serious complications.
To stem the loss of life in countries where abortion is illegal, women need humane and accessible treatment for abortion complications.