[Strengthening family planning efforts to reduce abortion].

Of the half million annual maternal deaths, complications from unsafe abortion account for 13% of all deaths. In Latin America and the Caribbean region there are 3.7 million induced abortions and it is estimated that 17% of all maternal deaths are due to unsafe abortions. Preventing unintended pregnancies has brought renewed focus on the role family planning and reproductive health services play in preventing unwanted pregnancies. Improving access to universal reproductive health services is one of the main strategies to reduce maternal mortality particularly due to unsafe abortions. Contraceptives are in high demand and short supply. Demand and population are increasing, yet contributions from donors and developing countries themselves are not keeping pace. Ensuring that all individuals and couples are able to exercise their rights to make free and informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health, and have access to universal sexual and reproductive health services are conditions to human development and freedom.