Unsafe abortions on the rise in Africa

The number of botched abortions is on the rise in Africa, according to recent reports, and governments are responding by distributing contraceptives. But the Roman Catholic Church, some Muslim groups and antiabortion groups are waging their own campaigns against contraception, warning it will further escalate the problem.

More than 6 million unsafe abortions take place each year in Africa, resulting in 29,000 maternal deaths, according to the World Health Organization. Another 1.7 million women are hospitalized annually for complications from unsafe abortions.

Abortion is restricted in most African countries, except in South Africa, Cape Verde, Tunisia and Zambia. Abortion is strictly illegal in 14 countries.