Maternal and public health benefits of menstrual regulation in Chittagong.

In Bangladesh abortions induced by untrained traditional birth attendants cause high levels of morbidity and mortality. A 2-year program was initiated to provide early atraumatic termination of pregnancy at Chittagong Medical College Hospital on an outpatient basis. The effect of the program on hospital admissions for septic induced abortion was studied by reviewing hospital records. In 2 years hospital admission for induced abortion decreased by 72%, and bed days used for treatment of induced abortion declined by 75%. Deaths occurring in the hospital that were attributed to induced abortion remained at a low level but were not eliminated.