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  • Title: Needs for laws dealing with abortion in Africa.
    Author: Ojo SL.
    Journal: Jimlar Mutane; 1976 Sep; 1(2):216-31. PubMed ID: 12264822.
    Abstract:
    This paper reviews from the point of view of a lawyer, the need for abortion, the state of the laws in Africa and hazards of illegal abortion encouraged by restrictive laws. The author then examines the trends in the liberalization of laws in Africa and poses the problem of intention towards liberalization and the tendency of the governments to continue retaining some aspects of the restrictive laws. It is concluded that restrictive abortion laws in many African countries have proved ineffective and should therefore be liberalized. Miller's 8 stages in a woman's reproductive career when she is especially vulnerable psychologically to unwanted pregnancy and the 5 aspects of ego psychology to explain these stages are delineated. Hazards of illegal abortions include use of unqualified personnel, unsanitary conditions, high mortality rate and a sense of punishment conveyed especially to the poor and uneducated which may deter them from seeking medical assistance and contraceptive advice after the operation. 7% of the world's population live in countries where abortion is prohibited; for 12% abortion is permitted only to save the life of the mother; 15% must have broad medical grounds for abortion; for 22% social factors are taken into consideration; 36% can have abortions at their own request, 8% are subject to restrictive abortion laws. Only Tunisia and Zambia in Africa have so far liberalized their abortion laws. Liberalization will substantially reduce frequency of illegal and/or self induced abortions and the incidence of illegitimate births. Women who practice contraception are more likely to accept abortion and those who have an abortion are more likely to accept contraceptive methods when available. Since Potts predicts that 1/3 of all married couples will have at least 1 unplanned pregnancy, liberalization of abortion laws cannot be denied on the argument that instead emphasis should be placed on prevention through family planning education and services. The specific intentions of Nigeria, Ghana, Zaire, Mali, Dahomey, Senegal and Kenya are given. It is concluded that various African governments believe incorrectly that providing contraception can avoid abortion. The author recommends educating these governments on the links between abortion and contraception and a push from appropriate associations in Africa for liberalization. Appendices list grounds for abortion in all countries of the world, the effect of the English Abortion Act (1967) on illegitimate births, and abortion deaths, and the text of the French law of 1920.
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