The risks of backyard abortion

There was blood even on the clothes in the washing basket. A groan came from the living room. A trail of blood led in that direction. With her heart about to jump out of her chest cavity, she ran towards the living room. Her sister, Neo lay in a heap next to the telephone. Questions raced in her mind. Had Neo been attacked while in the toilet? Was she trying to call for help? What happened? Her pulse was weak. Colour had gone from her face. Her feet and hands were cold, but the rest of her body was warm. Her breathing was belaboured. She dialled 911.

The doctor finally called her. It had been an anxious two hours of waiting. But the look on the doctor's face said it all. "We tried all we could, but she lost too much blood," said the doctor gently. She nodded. A lump that had suddenly formed in her throat prevented her from talking.