Abortion in Vanuatu is severely restricted by criminal law. Since 1981, abortions have been illegal in Vanuatu, unless medical authorities cite preservation of maternal health, with up to two years imprisonment for any woman who induces an abortion. Abortion is illegal in cases of rape, incest, and threats to fetal health.
Self-induced abortions
The Vanuatu Family Health Association reports various methods women use for self-induced abortions, including the use of local leaves or bark from a tree. Abortions like this that are outside of the medical system endanger the lives of women, as even an immediate visit to a nearby hospital or clinic may be futile if that medical facility does not have the equipment to repair any damage.
References
Abortion in Vanuatu Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA