A recent study by the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), in collaboration with the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, has unveiled alarming statistics regarding reproductive health in Sierra Leone.

The report shows that 38% of all pregnancies in the country in 2021 were unintended, highlighting serious gaps in the nation’s family planning and reproductive health services.

Of particular concern, 63% of these unintended pregnancies ended in abortion, often through unsafe means due to limited access to contraception and reproductive health services.

The national unintended pregnancy rate stands at 70 per 1,000 women, with some regions showing significantly higher rates. In the Southern and Northern regions, the rate soared to 110 and 86 per 1,000 women, respectively, underscoring the geographic disparities in access to healthcare.

The demographic breakdown revealed that younger women and those living in rural areas are the most affected. Among women who sought post-abortion care (PAC), 51% were under the age of 24, and 56% were from rural areas, where access to modern healthcare is limited.

Surprisingly, the study found that the majority of women seeking post-abortion care were married or in unions, and 50% had completed secondary education, which challenges the misconception that unintended pregnancies primarily affect uneducated or single women.

The findings point to a clear gap in family planning services and education, with many women unable to access modern contraceptive methods.

The study calls for urgent policy reforms and the expansion of reproductive healthcare services, particularly in rural areas.

Improved access to contraception, combined with community education programs, could significantly reduce the number of unintended pregnancies and the associated health risks, including unsafe abortions.

Additionally, the study emphasizes the need for legal reforms that align with international standards and for enhancing post-abortion care to mitigate the health risks posed by unsafe procedures.

Addressing these challenges is crucial in improving maternal health outcomes and reducing Sierra Leone’s maternal mortality rates, which remain among the highest in the world.

The report highlights that a multi-faceted approach, including policy reform, healthcare investment, and education, is essential to improving reproductive health in Sierra Leone and ensuring that women have greater control over their reproductive choices.