Sunyani, June 21, GNA - About half of infertility cases reported at th= e Regional Hospital in Sunyani resulted from illegal and unsafe abortions, Dr= .. James Boakye Fordjuor, a Gynaecologist at the hospital, has said. He disclosed that crude methods like inserting cooked meat and stems and roots of plants are mostly used by women in terminating pregnancies. Dr. Fordjuor was addressing a singles' conference organized for the youth of Sunyani Area Church of Pentecost, on the dangers of abortion and infertility in men and women.

He said most people do not seek professional assistance but rather consult quack doctors who use dangerous and unhygienic procedures to abort pregnancies and report at the hospital when there are complications. "Surprisingly, those involved are mostly girls aged between 18 and 2= 0 who are supposed to be students", he added.

Dr. Fordjuor said illegal abortions had serious health implications, including infertility, disabilities and even death. He recounted that about 340 million Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) had been recorded worldwide and entreated the youth to abstain from immoral behaviours and pre-marital sex. The gynaecologist mentioned other causes of infertility as infections caused by douching with detergents and concoctions and wearing of nylon and tight underwear. Dr Fordjuor urged men to also seek medical assistance for problems suc= h as clotage in the penis and low sperm count, which could cause infertility in them. Reverend Charles Boamah Asante, Sunyani Central District pastor, took the youth through the rudiments of marriage, noting 93singleness is a transitional process, which when well harnessed will position you better fo= r the future".