40-year-old mother of six dies through abortion

A 40-year old mason who felt six children is enough for them has forced his wife to abort their seventh child resulting in her death.

John Ave, the mason and a resident of Akatsi/Abor near Ashalley Botwe in Accra has been arrested. Two others, a nurse and a seamstress who allegedly assisted the woman to cause the abortion have also been arrested.

John Ave allegedly gave his wife, Lilian Apati, 32, ¢400,000 to abort her six month old pregnancy because he felt seven children would be too much for them to feed.

He is also alleged to have sought the services of the nurse, Alimayao Adam and the seamstress, Beatrice Kesseh to help his wife abort the pregnancy.

His wife complained of severe abdominal pains she had taken pills and inserted certain drugs into her vagina.

Her condition was said to have worsened the next day and was rushed to the 37 Military Hospital where she died minutes on admission.

The three were arrested and sent to court.

Giving the facts of the case, Chief Inspector Eben Darko of the Madina Police said that on July 1, 2004, John impregnated his wife and gave her ¢400,000 to abort the pregnancy which was six months old.

The woman who initially objected to her husband's suggestions discussed the problem with a co-tenant, Beatrice Kesseh, 32, seamstress who led her to Alimi Clinic at Madina.

He said on reaching the clinic, Alimayao Adam who claimed to be the nurse on duty took the pregnant woman to a room and “performed the abortion and gave her some drugs to take when she got back home.

According to the Inspector, Lilian's condition worsened and was rushed to 37 Military Hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

Chief Inspector Darko said on July 5, John, an inquest in the case by the Kwabenya police revealed that the deceased died as a result of the abortion.

John was therefore arrested and he admitted the offence and mentioned Beatrice and Alimayao as his accomplices.