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African Journal of Reproductive Health
Women's Health and Action Research Centre
ISSN: 1118-4841
Vol. 7, Num. 2, 2003, pp. 112
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African Journal of Reproductive Health, Vol. 7, No. 2, Aug, 2003 pp. 112
Book Review
Monograph on
Abortion
Reviewer: Friday
Okonofua
Code Number: rh03030
Authors: Lukman
Yusuf and Jennifer L. Potts
Year of
Publication: 2000
Page Extent: 129
pages
Reviewer: Friday
Okonofua
This is an
important contribution to the subject of abortion. Although the monograph has
been prepared within the context of Ethiopia, many of the points raised in the
monograph are applicable to many countries in Africa. Thus, the monograph would
be of interest to the rest of sub-Saharan African countries, where
abortion continues to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality among women.
As the authors allude to
in the preface, the monograph has been prepared for pre- and in-service
training programmes, and as a reference material for health service providers.
This is an important focus for this kind of work, as many health workers in
Africa, especially middle level providers, continue to lack information about
current methods of managing abortion and post-abortion complications.
This orientation justifies the simple outline of the monograph and the use of a
pleasant and easy-to-read diction.
The monograph began with
an introduction that placed the subject of abortion within the context of
reproductive health in the global com-munity. It then went on to
describe the anatomy and physiology of the female reproductive system, which
included an elucidation of the symptoms and signs of pregnancy. It then defined
the various kinds of abortion including spontaneous and induced abortion and
provided a detailed outline of the methods of clinical recognition and
management of the various types. It made conscious efforts to explain the
concept of ``post-abortion care'' and the need to counsel women
experiencing abortion about family planning as a way to prevent another
abortion. This was followed by a simple summary of currently available methods
of family planning and an exposition of the ways in which health workers can
meaningfully promote their use to reduce the rates of unplanned pregnancies and
unsafe abortion. In the final part of the monograph, the authors summarised a
number of controversies and ongoing debates, which are continuously being used
by opponents to deny women access to safe abortion services in Africa.
Fortunately, they also cited several international documents such as
recommendations from the ICPD and the Fourth World Conference on Women, which
counter the arguments of those opposed to providing safe abortion services to
women in Africa.
This is an extremely well
written monograph that would appeal to a wide reading audience and clientele in
Africa. It should primarily be used by health workers (doctors, midwives and
paramedical workers) and students in health-related disciplines, as it tends
to provide detailed medical information on the subject. However, policymakers
and social activists interested in knowing more about the scientific and
medical aspects of abortion will also find the book very useful.
Copyright 2003 - Women's Health and Action Research Centre
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