Unsafe abortion is a major public health issue, even in countries where it is legal.
WHO estimates that approximately one-third of maternal deaths are due to complications arising from illegally induced abortions. 150,000 to 200,000 deaths occur in countries having very strict abortion laws. In countries where abortion is legal, death rates are, on average, under one death per 100,000 procedures. In low-income countries, mainly in the developing world, a total of approximately 200 women die each day as a result of unsafe abortion. For many years, the issue of unsafe abortion and reproductive health has been clouded by cultural, religious and political opposition to safe abortion.