Abortion second highest cause of maternal deaths - report :: Mmegi Online

Complications from failed abortions resulting in excessive postpartum bleeding were the second highest cause of maternal deaths last year, Statistics Botswana has reported. A study by the state statistics agency found that in total, 91 maternal deaths were recorded in 2013 having increased from 74 cases in 2011.

According to the study, the most common causes of maternal mortality were immediate postpartum haemorrhage leading with 19 cases, unspecified failed attempted abortion constituted 15 deaths, while Hemolysis, Elevated Liver Enzymes and Low Platelet Count made up for 11 cases. “However, in 2013 there was only one case of HIV-related diseases, which contributed to maternal deaths,” the report reads.

The study reported the highest maternal deaths were among the age group of 30 to 34 at 26 percent followed by age group 35 to 39 making up 25 percent, the 25 to 29 age bracket came in third at 20 percent and 20- to 24-year-olds at 14 percent.

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