Background

Abortion, be it spontaneous or induced is most common adverse outcome of pregnancy. Abortions may be associated with complications that constitute public health challenges globally, more so in developing countries. Also in many countries, induced abortions are still unauthorized because of abortion laws of countries. So unsafe abortions continue to occur and kill women globally1. In regions where abortion is permitted, utility of health facilities varies because of various reasons which include lack of awareness and /or resources, secrecy and beliefs in many countries. And also some complications like bleeding are inherent with abortions, be it SA or IA. Complications can occur in any case, anywhere, at safe health facilities too. So abortions affect women’s health globally. Singh reported that millions of women in the world suffered due to non- availability or nonuse of treatment for abortion complications2. Deaths resulting from abortions are preventable, yet they continue to occur because unsafe practices go on, specially because abortion is a personal and private aspect of a woman’s life3. Country’s laws, policies and programs affect availability, utility of abortion services and effects. Not much is known about the status of all such aspects in rural tribal women who either do not have services for abortion complications or do not have access or do not use suchservices.