In an effort to reduce the astronomical number of annual maternal deaths in Mozambique, the government of that African state is considering making abortion legal.
According to the Ministry of Health, illegal abortions are the third leading killer of pregnant women, a horrific statistic in light of the fact that Mozambique has one of the highest maternal death rates in the world.
South Africa saw a 91% drop in maternal deaths in the 10 years since abortion was legalized there. Worldwide, the World Health Organization reports that 68,000 women die annually from unsafe abortions.
Hopefully more African countries will follow Mozambique’s lead and recognize a woman’s right to choose when and whether to have children.
