Background: In Papua New Guinea induced abortion is restricted under the Criminal Code Law. Unsafe abortions
are known to be widely practiced and sepsis due to unsafe abortion is a leading cause of maternal mortality.
Methods: We undertook a six month, prospective, mixed methods study at the Eastern Highlands Provincial
Hospital. Semi structured and in depth interviews were undertaken with women presenting following induced
abortion. This paper describes the reasons why women resorted to unsafe abortion, the techniques used, decision
to seek post abortion care and women’s reflections post abortion.
Results: 28 women were admitted to hospital following an induced abortion. Reasons for inducing an abortion
included: wanting to continue with studies, relationship problems and socio-cultural factors. Misoprostol was the
most frequently used method to end the pregnancy. Physical and mechanical means, traditional herbs and spiritual
beliefs were also reported. Women sought care post abortion due to excessive vaginal bleeding, and severe
abdominal pain with some afraid they would die if they did not seek help.
Conclusion: In the absence of contraceptive information and services to avoid, postpone or space pregnancies,
women in this setting are resorting to unsafe means to end an unwanted pregnancy, putting their lives at risk.
Women need access to safe, effective means of abortion.