A study collaboration between scientists at the WHO in Geneva and the Guttmacher Institute
...a study, a collaboration between scientiests at the WHO in Geneva and the Guttmacher Institute in NY... published Friday in the Lancet "Globally, abortion accounts for 13 percent of women's death during pregancy and childbirth, and there are 31 abortions for every 100 live births..." Dr. Paul Van Look, director of the W.Ho.O. Department of Reproductive Health and Research..."What we see is that the law does not influence a womean's decision to have an abortion..." But he say that where abortion is "illegal, it is likely to be unsafe." Sharon Camp chief ex.of the Guttmacher Institute points out that abortion fell by 50% in Eastern Europe after the fall of communism and contraception became more widely available. She says this is best way to reduce abortion. The study says that 20 million "unsafe" abortions are performed each year and 67,000 women die from complications, most where abortion is illegal. says US aboriton rate is 21/1000 whereas in W Europe is 12/1000 (alludes to availability of contraception) apparently worldwide abortions have fallen from 46 to 42 million between '95 and '03. [this would mean that roughly half of aboriton are "unsafe"] refers to S Africa where abortion was made legal in '96 and saw a 90% reduction in mortality "some studies have shown."
Elisabeth Rosenthal, Legal or Not, Abortion Rates Compare, NYT, Oct. 12, 2007, International section.