Published Paper Details:

The use of Azadirachta indica as an abortifacient in first trimester pregnancies. A case study of selected areas in Amassoma Town, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Nigeria was used. The study consisted of students of Niger Delta University (N.D.U) Wilberforce Island, Midwives, massage therapists, herbal medical practitioners and traders. Use of Azadirachta indica as an abortifacient in first trimester pregnancies was determined by distributing 100 questionnaires with 96 retrieved to determine the views and perspectives on the subject. The results showed that a majority of the respondents were in support of the effectiveness of Azadirachta indica in first trimester abortions. Different types of abortion were described. Despite the large numbers of deaths and disabilities caused by abortions the world over, the practice is still on an increase and it is widely recognized that unintended pregnancies and abortions are experiences shared by people around the world. According to Friday Okonofua (2001) between 26 and 53 million abortions are carried out annually. Different types of abortions are carried out and they are medical, vacuum aspiration also known as suction method, dilatation and evacuation and labour induction. There is presently an awareness campaign of some sorts to include natural medical abortions as a means of getting rid of unwanted pregnancies. With more knowledge of abortifacient properties of natural remedies like Azadirachta indica, in first trimester abortions, more calls are being made for this wonder plant colloquially known as Neem to be researched properly and more intensely. The good properties of this plant are constantly called upon and they include a high safety profile, cost effectiveness, potency and little or no ontoward effects and availability. Sensitization should be encouraged especially in women that are rape victims that desire to have an abortion but are terrified about going through any of the methods of abortion stated earlier: The results of this research are in favour of Azadirachta indica use.