One of the major problems associated with reproductive health is unsafe abortions. This issue has been a dominant topic in reproductive and sexual rights workshops across Africa and globally, with the latest workshop on the subject taking place in Maputo, Mozambique.

It was also a central topic at a seminar in Kenya. Unsafe abortion has been identified as a leading cause of death for many young and middle-aged women in Kenya and other African countries. Medical experts argue that urgent measures must be put in place to prevent unnecessary deaths, particularly among single women. Discussions at these workshops have also focused on economic empowerment for women and the role of the media in highlighting reproductive health and sexual rights issues.

Complications linked to unsafe abortions remain a significant cause of death among African women. Unsafe abortions contribute to 30 per cent of maternal deaths in many sub-Saharan African countries, according to a medical expert at the Maputo workshop. Unsafe abortions are also responsible for between 40 to 60 percent of all gynaecological problems in Kenya and Africa. Many women die or fail to reach hospitals for treatment of abortion-related complications.