It is estimated that between 2015 and 2019, on average, 73.3 million induced abortions (safe and unsafe) occurred globally each year. Estimates on trends in abortion rates in the Western Pacific Region suggest minimal changes since 1990-1994, with the percentage of unintended pregnancies ending in abortion increasing in some settings in the Region.

Abortions are safe when are carried out by a person with the necessary skills, using a WHO recommended method appropriate to pregnancy duration. When abortions are unsafe however, this increases risk of morbidity and mortality. Deaths and disabilities resulting from unsafe abortions can be prevented through sexuality education, use of effective contraceptive methods, provision of safe, legal induced abortion and timely care for complications.

These 2017 profiles on abortion provide a snapshot of the situation of abortion in selected countries with high burdens of maternal mortality, focusing on key facts, legal environments, availability of national guidelines and protocols, and inclusion of family planning services in post abortion care.