Each year an estimated 21 million abortions occur causing around 47,000 deaths, virtually all in the developing countries. Bringing together a wealth of information from around the world, this book argues that the time has come for a second great change in legislation, advocating a shift towards the legalisation of abortion to improve the health of women in poorer countries. With attention to circumstances in each of the major continental regions, an outline of the global situation is provided to reveal the major trends in the provision and procurement of abortion, as well their effects.