Complications of Unsafe Abortion Among Women Admitted to Gynaecology Ward at Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital

Unsafe abortion remains a major contributor to gynaecological ward admissions and maternal morbidity in Nigerian tertiary hospitals, reflecting the intersection of restrictive abortion laws, poor contraceptive coverage, and inadequate post-abortion care infrastructure. This study examines the complications of unsafe abortion among women admitted to the gynaecology ward at Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital (EBSUTH), Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, South East Nigeria. A three-year retrospective review of gynaecological admissions from 2020 to 2022 identified all cases with incomplete or unsafe abortion complications. Data on patient demographics, abortion method, complications, treatment, and outcomes were extracted from case notes. Unsafe abortion complications accounted for 18.4 percent of all gynaecological admissions. Women aged 20 to 29 years and unmarried women constituted the majority of cases. Sepsis (38 percent), haemorrhage (31 percent), and cervical and uterine injury (18 percent) were the dominant complications. Manual vacuum aspiration was the primary surgical management in 72 percent. Blood transfusion was required in 44 percent of haemorrhage cases. One maternal death was documented. The study highlights the preventable nature of unsafe abortion complications. Recommendations include expanded access to contraceptive services, post-abortion care training for all gynaecology staff, and adolescent reproductive health education in Ebonyi State to reduce the demand for unsafe procedures. Keywords: unsafe abortion, complications, post-abortion care, EBSUTH, gynaecology admissions