Illegal Abortion in Southern Ghana: Methods, Motives and Consequences

This paper provides information on various aspects of illegally induced abortion among the Akan in southern Ghana. Discussed are the frequency of abortion, the techniques, the social circumstances in which it takes place, its medical, juridical and educational consequences, and value judgements about it. The most important conclusion is that the restrictiveness of the Ghanaian legislation has not been able to prevent or limit the incidence of abortion. Its outlawing has rather led to the use of dubious and highly dangerous means of causing abortion. Young women are the main victims of the present situation, both in terms of unequal educational opportunities and in terms of physical damage caused to them. A more appropriate family planning policy in combination with a legalization of abortion seems a reasonable solution.