Available statistics relative to abortion in Africa especially Ghana is staggering. The laws of Ghana, just like many other countries, forbids abortion. Ghana’s law permits abortion in cases of rape, incest or the “defilement of a female idiot;” and also if the life or health of the woman is in danger; or if there is risk of fetal abnormality.
Abortion is the cessation of pregnancy or fetal development. Though illegal, abortion is still on the increase partly owing to the fact that lots of women deem it as personal requirement. This prompts them to perpetuate this act in secrecy. The result? The precious lives of these women are endangered, giving room for abortion and mortality to have something in common. Abortion can occur spontaneously. In this regard it is referred to as miscarriage. When it is induced then it gains it proper recognition as abortion.
Many countries, especially those in West have legalized abortion. However anti abortion groups which are refracted through religious bodies and the society are working assiduously to have the laws repealed.
Many people employ simple to crude way of terminating their fetus, including the administration of concoctions, strong alcoholic beverages (brandy), fasting, weightlifting, diving, the use of irritant leaves, etc in countries like Ghana where abortion remains illegal. These methods were adopted and practised in primitive communities but are still prevalent today.