The Role of Prevention Programs in Reducing Unsafe Abortions: A Narrative Review

Abstract

3Unsafe abortion remains one of the major challenges facing health systems worldwide, and unintended pregnancy is a common precursor to unsafe abortion. One of the most important and serious consequences of unsafe abortion is the increased maternal morbidity and mortality. Evidence indicates that in developing countries, approximately 13% of maternal deaths are attributable annually to unsafe abortion, and in Iran, more than 5% of maternal deaths have been reported to be related to abortion and its complications. Given that one of the major goals of reproductive health is to prevent complications and promote women’s health, it is essential to consider preventive interventions and programs at both individual and societal levels as important global strategies. Studies have shown that women’s knowledge and awareness are important factors, alongside access to reproductive health services, contraception, counseling, and supportive social policies. In this regard, commonly reported interventions include: awareness programs (including counseling approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)), I-Change Model-based program, school- and college-based educational programs, peer education, youth- friendly services, premarital education programs, preconception care program, male participation, greater couple responsibility regarding pregnancy, self-care program, social support, social networks and mass media, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), prenatal genetic counseling program, and interpersonal communication. Therefore, health policymakers should scale up these programs to effectively prevent unsafe abortions and enhance women’s health at individual, societal, and global levels. Although prevention programs are effective in reducing unsafe abortions, their implementation remains limited and demands specialized expertise.