Strict laws, churches behind rising clandestine abortion in Africa: experts

NAIROBI (AFP) — Stringent or vague legislation, coupled with deep-rooted social and religious beliefs in many African countries, have been blamed for the rise of often life-threatening backstreet abortions, health and social experts say.

Of Africa's 53 nations, only South Africa, Cape Verde and Tunisia allow unconditional pregnancy termination within the first three months after conception.

In 25 of them, abortion is only legal when the mother's health is threatened.

Some 300,000 women have abortions in Kenya yearly, of whom 21,000 are admitted to hospital from resultant complications, according to 2003-2004 statistics, and at least 3,000 die.

"In Africa, Kenya is one of the most restrictive countries," Matildah Musumba of Planning Parenthood Federation of America told AFP in Nairobi.

"The situation is worsening because of social pressure, lack of use of contraceptives and lack of information," said Boaz Otieno-Nyunya, head of the ...