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Ouedraogo R, Wanjiru S, Zan ML, Rossier C, Owolabi O, Athero S, Oduor C, Bangha M. "I always know she cannot betray me." Disclosure of abortion and methods of abortion used in informal settlements in Nairobi, Kenya. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0003252. [PMID: 39018278 PMCID: PMC11253939 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0003252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
Despite abortion being stigmatized and legally restricted in Kenya, women still disclose their abortions within their network. Evidence has shown how stigma can influence and regulate individual abortion disclosure decisions and behaviors. This paper seeks to understand why and how women make the decisions to disclose their abortion and the associated methods used. The data are from a qualitative formative study and a respondent-driven sampling survey conducted between 2020 and 2021 in two informal settlements in Nairobi, Kenya. The data were analyzed using a descriptive analysis approach for the quantitative data, and thematic analysis for the qualitative data. Our findings reveal that information sharing about abortion is enclosed in a social dynamic of secrecy. This dynamic contributes to making abortion a secret that respondents decided to share with confidants in 81% of the abortion cases. These confidants include intimate relationships such as trusted friends (62%), followed by female relatives. Information was shared in many cases either to get support (i.e. method to use), or because participants had close ties with the confidants. Regarding the methods used, unidentified pills were the most used regardless of the confidant; followed by traditional methods especially among those who sought help with their mothers/aunts/grandmothers (33%), while Medical Abortion and Manual Vacuum Aspiration were rarely used, mostly by those who confided in friends or sisters/cousins. Our findings show that the disclosure of abortion is a complex process embedded in existing codes regarding the circulation of information on sensitive issues and "help" seeking. Our findings show that the need for information on safe abortion and lack of financial resources frequently empowers them to overcome the fear of stigma and disclose their abortion. However, this often resulted in use of unsafe procedures. The findings suggest the need for strengthening the circulation of information on safe methods within communities, using community champions and intermediaries to increase the likelihood of women being directed through safe methods to enhance their use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shelmith Wanjiru
- Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Moussa L. Zan
- Institut Supérieur des Sciences de la Population, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | | | - Onikepe Owolabi
- Guttmacher Institute, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Sherine Athero
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Clement Oduor
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Martin Bangha
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
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Dempsey B, Callaghan S, Higgins MF. Providers' experiences with abortion care: A scoping review. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0303601. [PMID: 38950040 PMCID: PMC11216598 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Induced abortion is one of the most common gynecological procedures in the world, with as many as three in every ten pregnancies ending in abortion. It, however, remains controversial. The objective of this scoping review was to explore and map existing literature on the experiences of those who provide abortion care. METHODS AND FINDINGS This exploratory review followed the Levac et al. guidelines and was reported in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR checklist. CINAHL, Cochrane, EMBASE, PsycInfo, PubMed, and Web of Science were used to identify peer-reviewed, original research articles published on providers' experience of abortion. We identified 106 relevant studies, which include a total sample of 4,250 providers from 28 countries and six continents. Most of the studies were qualitative (n = 83), though quantitative (n = 15) and mixed methods (n = 8) studies were also included. We identified two overarching themes: (1) Providers' experiences with abortion stigma and (2) Providers' reflections on their abortion work. Our findings suggest that providers from around the world experience challenges within society and their communities and workplaces which reinforce the stigmatization and marginalization of abortion and pose questions about the morality of this work. Most, however, are proud of their work, believe abortion care to be socially important and necessary, and remain committed to the provision of care. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this review provide a comprehensive overview on the known experiences of providing abortion care. It is a key point of reference for international providers, researchers, and advocates to further this area of research or discussion in their own territories. The findings of this review will inform future work on how to support providers against stigmatization and will offer providers the chance to reflect on their own experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- B. Dempsey
- UCD Perinatal Research Centre, National Maternity Hospital, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - S. Callaghan
- UCD Perinatal Research Centre, National Maternity Hospital, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- National Maternity Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - M. F. Higgins
- UCD Perinatal Research Centre, National Maternity Hospital, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- National Maternity Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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Demir R, Kaya Odabaş R. Investigation into the Relationship Between Women's Thoughts, Stigmatizing Attitudes, Beliefs, and Behaviors on Voluntary Abortion and Spiritual Well-Being in Turkiye. J Transcult Nurs 2024; 35:207-215. [PMID: 38356298 DOI: 10.1177/10436596241229483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although abortion can be implemented within the framework of legal rules and practices, the issue of abortion in socio-cultural, philosophical, and religious terms is one of the crucial issues that has been discussed since the existence of humanity. This study aims to examine the relationship between women's thoughts on voluntary abortion, their stigmatizing attitudes, beliefs, behaviors, and their spiritual well-being in Turkiye. METHOD The sample of this analytical-cross-sectional study consisted of 300 women between the ages of 18 to 49 who had a telephone. Data were collected with the "Questionnaire Form, Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Spirituality Well-Being (FACIT-Sp), and the Stigmatizing Attitudes, Beliefs and Actions Scale Toward Abortion (SABAS)." RESULTS The findings showed that 30.3% of the women participating in this study had voluntary abortions. The FACIT-Sp total score of women who had voluntary abortion (12.58 ± 7.99) was significantly lower than those who did not have an abortion (29.02 ± 6.36), and the SABAS total score was not associated with having a voluntary abortion. A weak, positive linear relationship was found between FACIT-Sp and SABAS total scores (r = .115, p < .05). DISCUSSION Study findings showed that there was a significant relationship between having had a voluntary abortion and a lower spiritual well-being score and there was a positive relationship between spiritual well-being and stigmatizing attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors toward abortion.
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Xiao M, Huang S, Liu Y, Tang G, Hu Y, Fu B, Lei J. Stigma and its influencing factors for seeking professional psychological help among pregnant women: A cross-sectional study. Midwifery 2024; 132:103973. [PMID: 38442529 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2024.103973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the stigma associated with seeking professional psychological help has received significant attention, few studies have focused on the status and factors influencing this stigma among pregnant women, especially those with a Chinese cultural background. This study aimed to assess the status of stigma associated with seeking professional psychological help and its influencing factors. METHODS A total of 1325 pregnant women were recruited from Hunan Province, China. The Stigma for Seeking Professional Psychological Help questionnaire, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Perceived Social Support Scale, Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire, and questionnaires on sociodemographic characteristics and pregnancy-related information were used. Descriptive, univariate, correlation, and multivariate linear regression analyses were used to investigate the status of stigma and identify its influencing factors. FINDINGS Pregnant Chinese women experienced a mild to moderate level of stigma associated with seeking professional psychological help, and self-stigma was more common than social stigma associated with seeking psychological help. The results of the multivariate analysis suggested that perceived social support, positive coping styles, negative coping styles, and depressive symptoms were the factors influencing self-stigma and social stigma associated with seeking professional psychological help. Advanced age and a low educational level were the only predictors associated with self-stigma, while a history of multiple pregnancies had an effect only on social stigma associated with seeking professional psychological help. CONCLUSION Chinese pregnant women experienced a mild to moderate level of stigma associated with seeking professional psychological help. Destigmatizing interventions focusing on self-stigma and social stigma should be designed according to maternal characteristics, social support, coping style, and depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meili Xiao
- Department of Nursing, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, 371 Tongzipo Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China.
| | - Sasa Huang
- Nursing Department, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China; Xiang Ya Nursing School of Central South University, 172 Tongzipo Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Yongrong Liu
- Nursing Department, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Guanxiu Tang
- Nursing Department, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China.
| | - Ying Hu
- Nursing Department, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China; Xiang Ya Nursing School of Central South University, 172 Tongzipo Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Bing Fu
- Nursing Department, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Jun Lei
- Nursing Department, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China.
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O'Donnell AT, Foran AM. The link between anticipated and internalized stigma and depression: A systematic review. Soc Sci Med 2024; 349:116869. [PMID: 38678910 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.116869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Stigmatized groups may experience psychological distress. Yet, some studies show no significant relation between stigma and mental health outcomes. This systematic review investigates the link between anticipated and internalized stigma, and one mental health outcome, depression. We aimed to (1) determine whether anticipated and internalized stigma predict levels of depression, and (2) review the quality of evidence for this link. We searched PsycInfo, PubMed and EMBASE databases. Eighty-three studies (N = 34,705) met our inclusion criteria, across five stigma categories: Sexual and gender minorities; HIV/AIDS; Illness or disability-related (non-HIV); Weight, and Other. We reviewed evidence within each category and study design and developed a narrative synthesis. Sixty studies (72.3%) supported the proposed link, which varied across categories from 53.6% to 100%. Using the NIH quality assessment tool, most studies were of fair quality. Most cross-sectional studies (76.7%) straightforwardly supported the positive relation between internalized and/or anticipated stigma and depression, while only 40% of longitudinal studies did. Implications for the study of stigma and mental health outcomes are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisling T O'Donnell
- Centre for Social Issues Research, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland; Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
| | - Aoife-Marie Foran
- Centre for Social Issues Research, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
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Napier-Raman S, Hossain SZ, Mpofu E, Lee MJ, Liamputtong P, Dune T. Abortion Experiences and Perspectives Amongst Migrants and Refugees: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:312. [PMID: 38541311 PMCID: PMC10970391 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21030312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
(1) Background: Access to abortion care is a crucial reproductive health right. Refugees and migrants may have restricted access to and utilisation of abortion care, associated with histories of displacement, precarious migrant and citizenship status and difficulty navigating unfamiliar host country healthcare systems. However, there is limited evidence on the abortion experiences and perspectives of refugees and migrants. Moreover, existing research has not been synthesised to identify trends informing sexual and reproductive care access among this marginalised population. This systematic review aimed to address this gap in the cumulative evidence on refugee and migrant experiences and perspectives of abortion in host countries. (2) Methods: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we searched the following databases for studies on refugee and migrant abortion attitudes, decision making and experiences: Embase, Medline, CINAHL, Web of Science, Sociological Abstracts, and Scopus. We also searched the grey literature on the same. Inclusion criteria specified qualitative studies involving migrant and/or refugee populations, examining their abortion experiences, attitudes or perspectives, written in English, published between January 2000 and December 2022. Two reviewers screened titles, abstracts and full-text articles, resulting in 27 articles included in the review, following consensus checks by two co-authors. The included studies were assessed for methodological quality using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool. (3) Results: Abortion was stigmatised and generally considered impermissible and undesirable. However, participants discussed socioculturally determined 'exceptions' to this, positing circumstances where abortion was acceptable. There were striking differences in experiences between participants in higher-income settings and those in lower- and middle-income settings. Difficulties accessing care were ubiquitous but were heightened in lower-resource settings and among participants with precarious citizenship, financial and legal statuses. (4) Conclusions: The findings highlight the need for an international convention to guide policy and programming that acknowledges the specific abortion requirements of migrant and refugee communities, with attention to their financial, legal and social precarity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharanya Napier-Raman
- Sydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia; (S.Z.H.); (E.M.); (M.-J.L.)
| | - Syeda Zakia Hossain
- Sydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia; (S.Z.H.); (E.M.); (M.-J.L.)
| | - Elias Mpofu
- Sydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia; (S.Z.H.); (E.M.); (M.-J.L.)
| | - Mi-Joung Lee
- Sydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia; (S.Z.H.); (E.M.); (M.-J.L.)
| | - Pranee Liamputtong
- College of Health Sciences, VinUniversity, Gia Lam District, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam;
| | - Tinashe Dune
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Campbeltown, NSW 2150, Australia;
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Rahman A, Strong J, Mondal PP, Maynard A, Haque T, Moore AM, Afsana K. Perceptions and attitudes of Rohingya community stakeholders to pregnancy termination services: a qualitative study in camps of Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. Confl Health 2024; 18:19. [PMID: 38433199 PMCID: PMC10910813 DOI: 10.1186/s13031-024-00574-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rohingya women suffer from inaccessibility to sexual and reproductive health services in Myanmar. After the forcible displacement of the Rohingya from Myanmar to Bangladesh in 2017, pregnancy termination services have been increasingly important and desired, while knowledge gaps and obstacles to access services still exist. The role of community stakeholders is critical as gatekeepers and decision-makers to improve and strengthen pregnancy termination services for women in camps. However, there is paucity of evidence on their perspectives about pregnancy termination. This qualitative study aims to understand the perception and attitudes of Rohingya community stakeholders to pregnancy termination in the camps of Cox's Bazar. METHODS We used purposive sampling to select 48 participants from the community stakeholders, 12 from each group: majhis (Rohingya leaders), imams (religious leaders), school teachers, and married men. We conducted in-depth interviews of all the participants between May-June 2022 and October-November 2022. Data were coded on Atlas.ti and analysed using a thematic content analysis approach. RESULTS Multiple socio-cultural and religious factors, gendered norms and stigma associated with pregnancy termination acted as barriers to women seeking services for it. From a religious stance, there was greater acceptance of pregnancy termination in the earlier period than in the later period of pregnancy. We observed that pregnancy termination among community stakeholders in earlier stages of pregnancy than later. However, circumstances, such as a woman's marital status, whether she sought her husband's permission or her ability of childcare capacity, were often framed by community stakeholders as 'acceptable' for pregnancy termination. Health concerns and social and contextual factors can influence community stakeholders supporting pregnancy termination. CONCLUSIONS The community stakeholders perspectives on barriers and enablers of pregnancy termination were variable with the context. These perspectives may support or impede women's ability to choice to seek pregnancy termination services. To improve women's choice to pregnancy termination, it is critical to consider roles of community stakeholders in creating their supporting attitudes to women's choice and access, and to designing targeted culturally appropriate interventions with communities support and engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atiya Rahman
- BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
| | - Joe Strong
- London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | | | | | - Tasnima Haque
- BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Kaosar Afsana
- BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Huslage M, Jones A, Wallis D, Scoresby K. Resilience Amid Chaos: Abortion Provision Across the United States During COVID-19. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2024; 33:294-300. [PMID: 38061048 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2023.0149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Pregnant people face many challenges to obtaining abortion services, including cost, stigma, administrative requirements, and legislative barriers. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic added additional barriers for clients and abortion service providers to overcome. Methods: The current study uses the Family Planning Visits During COVID-19 longitudinal dataset to explore abortion service provision from April 2020 through November 2020 from a sample of clinics (N = 63) providing abortion services across the United States. Results: Clinics in the sample were 49.2% academic/hospital-based, based in urban counties (96.8%), with a majority (82.5%) utilizing in-house providers for abortion care. Results show that the majority of clinics (59%) experienced staffing changes in response to COVID-19, including staff and clinicians who took extended leave, quit, were furloughed, or hired. Although the volume of overall abortion service provision decreased March through July 2020, the volume returned to pre-COVID numbers by August and surpassed pre-COVID volume in September and October 2020. Conclusion: Findings from this study demonstrate the adaptability and resilience shown by providers to ensure the continued availability of abortion services. Strategies adopted during COVID-19, such as telehealth and mail-delivery of abortion medication, may prove useful in a post-Roe legislative landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melody Huslage
- School of Social Work, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada, USA
| | - Aubrey Jones
- College of Social Work, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Dorothy Wallis
- Department of Social Work, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, USA
| | - Kristel Scoresby
- College of Social Work, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
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Chesnokova AE, Nagendra D, Dixit E, McAllister A, Schachter A, Schreiber CA, Roe AH, Sonalkar S. Trust in provider and stigma during second-trimester abortion. SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE 2024; 39:100932. [PMID: 38061314 DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2023.100932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether trust in the provider and sociodemographics are associated with individual-level abortion stigma. METHODS We performed a cross sectional and exploratory study design using secondary analysis of a randomized trial that enrolled participants undergoing second trimester abortion. We collected baseline survey data from 70 trial participants to assess stigma (Individual Level of Abortion Stigma scale, ILAS; range 0-4), trust in provider (Trust in Physician scale; range 1-5), anxiety, depression, and sociodemographics. We performed multiple linear regression, for which ILAS score was the outcome of interest. Univariate associations were used to inform the regression model. RESULTS The mean abortion stigma score was at the low end of the ILAS at 1.21 (range 0.2-2.8, SD 0.66). Age, race, income, BMI, parity, gestational age at time of abortion, and reasons for ending the pregnancy were not significantly associated with the ILAS score. Higher trust in provider scores were (m 4.0, SD 0.49) and inversely related to the ILAS score, even after adjustment for confounders (β -0.02, CI -0.03 to -0.004, p = 0.013). Screening positive for anxiety or depression was associated with a higher ILAS score ((β 0.48, CI 0.10, 0.90, p = 0.015); (β = 0.27 CI -0.097, 0.643)), while cohabitation was associated with lower ILAS score (β -0.44, CI -0.82 to -0.57, p = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS Trust in an abortion provider, anxiety, depression, and cohabitation are associated with abortion stigma among people seeking second trimester abortion care. Interventions that improve trust in a provider may be an area of focus for addressing abortion stigma. Future research should confirm these findings in larger populations and across diverse locations and demographics and to conduct qualitative research to understand what patients perceive as trust-promoting behaviors and words during abortion encounters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arina E Chesnokova
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Divyah Nagendra
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Eshani Dixit
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 675 Hoes Lane West, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
| | - Arden McAllister
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Allison Schachter
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Courtney A Schreiber
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Andrea H Roe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Sarita Sonalkar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Baier A, Behnke AL. Barriers to abortion provision: A qualitative study among medical students and gynecologists in Berlin, Germany. Contraception 2024; 130:110325. [PMID: 37935352 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2023.110325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES While abortion is a common medical procedure in Germany, the number of abortion-providing facilities declined by 46% between 2003 and 2022. As existing data do not paint a complete picture of the factors influencing this decline, an understanding into the perspectives of health care professionals (HCPs) is necessary. We set out to examine attitudes of HCPs in Berlin, Germany toward different aspects of abortion to identify barriers that might prevent them from providing abortions. STUDY DESIGN We used a qualitative research design consisting of in-depth semistructured one-on-one interviews with 14 medical students and four gynecologists. We transcribed interviews verbatim and conducted qualitative content analysis. RESULTS Many interviewees perceived abortion as a taboo and legally ambiguous intervention. They feared stigmatization when talking about or providing abortions, especially by fellow students or religious family members. Few participants objected to abortion provision on religious grounds. Some medical students underestimated the safety of abortion and overestimated the potential for side effects and complications. Medical students obtained their knowledge about abortion from various sources, such as media, religious school education, or personal experience with abortion; the topic was rarely discussed in their medical education. To decide whether to provide abortions later, many students wished for detailed abortion teaching during medical school and residency. CONCLUSIONS Fear of stigmatization, misconceptions on abortion, and religious beliefs reduced HCPs' willingness to perform abortions. Abortion education was widely valued by medical students and could address some of the barriers to abortion provision we found in this study. IMPLICATIONS Universities and teaching hospitals should systematically teach about abortion to counteract misinformation and help normalize abortions among HCPs. Moreover, political decision-makers should take measures in order to destigmatize abortion, like an abortion regulation outside the Criminal Code in line with international public health recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Baier
- Giessen Graduate Centre for Social Sciences, Business, Economics and Law (GGS), Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany; Politics of Reproduction, Interdisciplinary Junior Research Group (PRiNa), Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany; Doctors for Choice Germany, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Anna-Lisa Behnke
- Giessen Graduate Centre for Social Sciences, Business, Economics and Law (GGS), Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany; Politics of Reproduction, Interdisciplinary Junior Research Group (PRiNa), Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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Hennessy M, O'Donoghue K. Bridging the gap between pregnancy loss research and policy and practice: insights from a qualitative survey with knowledge users. Health Res Policy Syst 2024; 22:15. [PMID: 38273374 PMCID: PMC10809434 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-024-01103-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The loss of a pregnancy or the death of baby around the time of their birth can have profound impacts on parents, families and staff involved. There is much opportunity to enhance the systematic uptake of evidence-based interventions to enhance service provision, lived experiences and outcomes. Challenges exist to translating pregnancy loss research evidence into policy and practice, however. Pregnancy loss remains a neglected area of research and resourcing and is steeped in stigma. While barriers and facilitators to the use of research evidence by decision-makers in public health and health services are well documented, we aimed to better understand the factors that influence the translation of pregnancy loss research into practice and policy. METHODS We conducted a qualitative online survey of pregnancy loss research knowledge users in Ireland, identified through our clinical and academic networks, between January and March 2022. The survey comprised ten questions, with three closed questions, informed by the Knowledge Translation Planning Template©. Questions included who could benefit from pregnancy loss research, perceived barriers and facilitators to the use of research evidence and preferred knowledge translation strategies. We analysed data using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS We included data from 46 participants in our analysis, from which we generated two central themes. The first-'End the silence; stigma and inequality around pregnancy loss to enhance awareness and understanding, public health and services and supports'-addresses issues related to the stigma, sensitivities and silence, lack of awareness and understanding, and lack of relevance or priority afforded to pregnancy loss. The second theme-'Use a range of tailored, accessible approaches to engage a large, diverse range of knowledge users'-highlights the need to use relevant, accessible, and engaging information, resources or materials in knowledge translation efforts, and a variety of tailored approaches to suit different audiences, including materials, workshops/webinars, media, knowledge brokers and champions or opinion leaders. CONCLUSIONS Our analysis provides rich insights into the barriers and facilitators to knowledge translation in the field of pregnancy loss research. We identified key strategies that can be used to inform knowledge translation planning in Ireland, and which have international applicability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marita Hennessy
- Pregnancy Loss Research Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Cork, Cork, T12 YE02, Ireland.
- INFANT Research Centre, University College Cork, Cork, T12 YE02, Ireland.
| | - Keelin O'Donoghue
- Pregnancy Loss Research Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Cork, Cork, T12 YE02, Ireland
- INFANT Research Centre, University College Cork, Cork, T12 YE02, Ireland
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12
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Bernard M, Niemann J, Weinhold L, Jepsen D, Miani C, Luck-Sikorski C. Abortion stigma among abortion seekers, healthcare professionals and the public in high-income countries: A mixed-methods systematic review protocol. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e076602. [PMID: 38238049 PMCID: PMC10806672 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-076602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Abortion is a crucial sexual and reproductive right. However, the legal situation of pregnancy termination is rather heterogeneous across countries and regions. The political climate and cultural perception may result in abortion-related stigma. This mixed-methods systematic review protocol aims to detail the proposed methods for assessing the current state of research on abortion stigma in high-income countries from an abortion seeker, healthcare provider and public perspective. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols guideline, we conducted a systematic literature search of peer-reviewed studies from high-income countries in relevant electronic databases: PubMed, CINHAL, PsycINFO, LIVIVO and Cochrane Library. Qualitative, quantitative and mixed-method studies that measured or examined abortion-related stigma in abortion seekers, healthcare professionals and the general public will be included. Assessment of risk of bias, data synthesis and qualitative meta-aggregation will be carried out. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The results of the systematic review will be submitted to peer-reviewed journals and presented at relevant conferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Bernard
- Institute of Medical Sociology, Martin-Luther-Universitat Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Jana Niemann
- Institute of Medical Sociology, Martin-Luther-Universitat Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Laura Weinhold
- Institute of Medical Sociology, Martin-Luther-Universitat Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Dennis Jepsen
- Institute of Medical Sociology, Martin-Luther-Universitat Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Celine Miani
- Department of Social Epidemiology and International Public Health, School of Public Health, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Claudia Luck-Sikorski
- SRH Hochschule fur Gesundheit GmbH, Gera, Germany
- Integrated Research and Treatment Center (IFB) Adiposity Diseases, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
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13
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Merner B, Haining CM, Willmott L, Savulescu J, Keogh LA. Health providers' reasons for participating in abortion care: A scoping review. WOMEN'S HEALTH (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 20:17455057241233124. [PMID: 38426387 PMCID: PMC10908244 DOI: 10.1177/17455057241233124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a global shortage of health providers in abortion care. Public discourse presents abortion providers as dangerous and greedy and links 'conscience' with refusal to participate. This may discourage provision. A scoping review of empirical evidence is needed to inform public perceptions of the reasons that health providers participate in abortion. OBJECTIVE The study aimed to identify what is known about health providers' reasons for participating in abortion provision. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Studies were eligible if they included health providers' reasons for participating in legal abortion provision. Only empirical studies were eligible for inclusion. SOURCES OF EVIDENCE We searched the following databases from January 2000 until January 2022: Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, Excerpta Medica Database, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, ScienceDirect and Centre for Agricultural and Biosciences International Abstracts. Grey literature was also searched. METHODS Dual screening was conducted of both title/abstract and full-text articles. Health providers' reasons for provision were extracted and grouped into preliminary categories based on the existing research. These categories were revised by all authors until they sufficiently reflected the extracted data. RESULTS From 3251 records retrieved, 68 studies were included. In descending order, reasons for participating in abortion were as follows: supporting women's choices and advocating for women's rights (76%); being professionally committed to participating in abortion (50%); aligning with personal, religious or moral values (39%); finding provision satisfying and important (33%); being influenced by workplace exposure or support (19%); responding to the community needs for abortion services (14%) and participating for practical and lifestyle reasons (8%). CONCLUSION Abortion providers participated in abortion for a range of reasons. Reasons were mainly focused on supporting women's choices and rights; providing professional health care; and providing services that aligned with the provider's own personal, religious or moral values. The findings provided no evidence to support negative portrayals of abortion providers present in public discourse. Like conscientious objectors, abortion providers can also be motivated by conscience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bronwen Merner
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Casey M Haining
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Lindy Willmott
- Australian Centre for Health Law Research, Faculty of Business and Law, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Julian Savulescu
- Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Louise A Keogh
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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Monchalin R, Jubinville D, Pérez Piñán AV, Paul W, Wells M, Ross A, Law K, Chaffey M, Pruder H. "I would love for there not to be so many hoops … ": recommendations to improve abortion service access and experiences made by Indigenous women and 2SLGTBQIA+ people in Canada. Sex Reprod Health Matters 2023; 31:2247667. [PMID: 37799036 PMCID: PMC10561563 DOI: 10.1080/26410397.2023.2247667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Acknowledging the barriers in accessing sexual and reproductive health services that disproportionately impact Indigenous women and 2SLGTBQIA+ people, coupled with the lack of knowledge surrounding Indigenous peoples' experiences with abortion, we present qualitative findings from a pilot study investigating Indigenous experiences of accessing abortion services in Canada. We focus on findings related to participant recommendations for improving safety and accessibility of abortion services made by and for Indigenous people in Canada. Informed by an Indigenous Advisory Committee consisting of front-line service providers working in the area of abortion service access and/ or support across Canada, the research team applied an Indigenous methodology to engage with 15 Indigenous people across Canada utilising a conversational interview method, between September and November 2021. With representation from nine provinces and territories across Canada, participants identified with Anishinaabe, Cree, Dene, Haudenosaunee, Inuit, Métis and/ or Mi'kmaq Nations. Five cross-cutting recommendations emerged, including: (1) location, comfort, and having autonomy to choose where the abortion takes place; (2) holistic post-abortion supports; (3) accessibility, availability, and awareness of non-biased and non-judgemental information; (4) companionship, advocacy, and logistical help before and during the abortion from a support person; and (5) cultural safety and the incorporation of local practices and knowledges. Recommendations demonstrate that Indigenous people who have experienced an abortion carry practical solutions for removing barriers and improving access to abortion services in the Canadian context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renée Monchalin
- Assistant Professor, School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, BCV8P 5C2, Canada
- Affiliate Scientist, Well Living House, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Assistant Professor (Status Only), Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Danette Jubinville
- PhD Candidate, Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- Full-Spectrum Doula, ekw’í7tl Doula Collective, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Astrid V. Pérez Piñán
- Assistant Professor, School of Public Administration, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Willow Paul
- Masters Candidate, School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Madison Wells
- Research Coordinator, School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Arie Ross
- Masters Candidate, School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Kimberly Law
- Nurse Practitioner, Northern Health Authority, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Meagan Chaffey
- Abortion Doula, Abortion Support Services Atlantic, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Harlie Pruder
- Founder, Northern Reproductive Justice Network, Thompson, MB, Canada
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15
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Schmid AT, Veldhouse A, Payam S. A press(ing) issue: analysing local news coverage of abortion in the US South during the COVID-19 pandemic. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2023; 25:1515-1529. [PMID: 36633510 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2022.2164064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, some US state governments banned abortion due to its allegedly 'elective' nature. While these actions were successfully challenged in courts, discussion about the topic may have shaped personal and public opinion. This study aimed to explore the framing of abortion in local newspapers during the onset of the pandemic. Articles regarding abortion were collected from three top circulated local online news publications from three southern US states. Of the states that attempted to block abortions, Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi were selected for their high non-White populations. Using critical thematic analysis, 77 articles were analysed, and four themes were identified: individual-centric, public health risk, interplay with inequalities, and hierarchical health care. Existing abortion narratives were taken up by different sides of the debate to push political agendas. However, new pro-/anti-abortion justifications were observed, specifically regarding public health concerns during COVID-19. Anti-abortion activists framed abortion provision as a health risk and employed other narratives that likely reinforced gendered, ethnic and socioeconomic power disparities by shifting blame onto abortion seekers and providers. However, pro-choice supporters framed abortion as essential health care and as a structural issue, which may have bolstered awareness for structural change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Theresa Schmid
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Avery Veldhouse
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Shahin Payam
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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Makleff S, Belfrage M, Wickramasinghe S, Fisher J, Bateson D, Black KI. Typologies of interactions between abortion seekers and healthcare workers in Australia: a qualitative study exploring the impact of stigma on quality of care. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:646. [PMID: 37679674 PMCID: PMC10486119 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05902-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abortion stigma involves the stereotyping of, discrimination against, and delegitimization of those who seek and provide abortion. Experiences of abortion care are shaped by stigma at the meso (e.g., lack of local providers) and macro (e.g., abortion regulations) levels. Yet abortion stigma and quality of care are often examined separately. This study sought to articulate the impact of abortion stigma on quality of care in the context of healthcare interactions. It did so by characterizing the features of stigmatizing and non-stigmatizing care in the context of macro-level stigma and other structural factors that influence abortion-seeking experiences, including the coronavirus pandemic's influence on the health system. METHODS This qualitative study comprised in-depth interviews with people who sought abortion across Australia between March 2020 and November 2022, recruited through social media and flyers in clinics. Thematic analysis drew on concepts of micro, meso, and macro stigma and person-centered care. We developed typologies of the interactions between abortion seekers and healthcare workers by analytically grouping together negative and positive experiences to characterize features of stigmatizing and and non-stigmatizing care in the context of macro-level influences. RESULTS We interviewed 24 abortion seekers and developed five typologies of stigmatizing care: creating barriers; judging; ignoring emotional and information needs; making assumptions; and minimizing interactions. There are five corresponding positive typologies. Macro-level factors, from abortion regulations to rural and pandemic-related health system pressures, contributed to poor experiences in care. CONCLUSIONS The positive experiences in this study illustrate how a lack of stigma enables patient-centered care. The negative experiences reflect the interrelationship between stigmatizing beliefs among healthcare workers, macro-level (policy and regulatory) abortion stigma, and structural health service limitations exacerbated during the pandemic. Interventions are needed to reduce stigmatizing interactions between abortion seekers and healthcare workers, and should also consider macro-level factors that influence the behaviors of healthcare workers and experiences of abortion seekers. Without addressing stigma at multiple levels, equitable access to high-quality abortion care will be difficult to achieve. Efforts to integrate stigma reduction into quality improvement have relevance for maternal and reproductive health services globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelly Makleff
- Global and Women's Health, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Level 4, 553 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.
| | - Madeleine Belfrage
- School of Social Science, The University of Queensland, Forgan Smith Building, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Sethini Wickramasinghe
- Global and Women's Health, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Level 4, 553 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Jane Fisher
- Global and Women's Health, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Level 4, 553 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Deborah Bateson
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Science Road, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia
| | - Kirsten I Black
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Science Road, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia
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Dyer RL, Greene MZ. Identity and pregnancy in conflict?: an examination of sexual minority women using qualitative description. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2023; 25:1131-1146. [PMID: 36309825 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2022.2139413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
While there is growing documentation of pregnancy among sexual minority women, little research has focused on their perceptions and experiences of conflict between sexual minority identity and pregnancy. Because of this, this study used Social Identity Theory and qualitative descriptive analysis to explore the following questions: do sexual minority women perceive sexual minority identity and pregnancy as in conflict; and if so, from where does this conflict arise and how do sexual minority women experience it? Participants included 21 lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer and other non-heterosexual cisgender women, a third of whom had previously been pregnant. Themes captured internally located conflict, including participants who saw pregnancy as irrelevant and those who experienced pregnancy as acceptable for sexual minority women; imposed conflict from healthcare contexts, including both health provider assumptions and imposed conflict on reproductive autonomy; and ambivalence. Overall, few participants noted internalised conflict between their sexual minority identity and pregnancy. Instead, sexual minority women experienced ambivalence or imposed conflict between their sexual minority identities and pregnancy from their health providers, although this imposed conflict was not limited to sexual orientation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L Dyer
- Department of Counseling Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Madelyne Z Greene
- School of Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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18
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Kokshagina O, Bridier E, Hakim J. When stigma meets crisis: reducing stigma by association during COVID-19. BMJ LEADER 2023; 7:212-216. [PMID: 37200176 DOI: 10.1136/leader-2020-000421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Eleonore Bridier
- Marie Stopes International Australia, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jamal Hakim
- Marie Stopes International Australia, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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19
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Kayondo SP, Kaye DK, Nabatanzi SL, Nassuuna S, Musana O, Namagembe I, Nsanja JP, Morris J, Fawzi H, de Koning K, Kaur J, Pretty M. Challenges and opportunities from using abortion harm reduction and value clarification and attitude transformation engagements for safe abortion advocacy in Uganda. Reprod Health 2023; 20:97. [PMID: 37381001 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-023-01637-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND From 2018, the International Federation of Gynecologists and Obstetricians (FIGO) implemented the Advocating Safe Abortion project to support national obstetrics and gynecology (Obs/gyn) societies from ten member countries to become leaders of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). We share experiences and lessons learnt about using value clarification and attitude transformation (VCAT) and abortion harm reduction (AHR) as strategies for our advocacy engagements. METHODS The advocacy goal of ending abortion-related deaths followed predefined pathways from an extensive needs assessment prior to the project. These pathways were strengthening capacity of the Obs/gyn society as safe abortion advocates; establishing a vibrant network of partners; transforming social and gender norms; raising awareness of the legal and policy environment regarding abortion, and promoting the generation and use abortion data for evidence-informed policy and practice. Our advocacy targeted multiple stakeholders including media, policy makers judicio-legal, political and religious leaders, health workers and the public. RESULTS During each engagement, facilitators required audiences to identify what roles they can play along the continuum of strategies that can reduce maternal death from abortion complications. The audiences acknowledged abortion complications as a major problem in Uganda. Among the root causes for the abortion context, audiences noted absence of an enabling environment for abortion care, which was characterized by low awareness about the abortion laws and policy, restricted abortion laws, cultural and religious beliefs, poor quality of abortion care services and abortion stigma. CONCLUSION VCAT and AHR were critical in enabling us to develop appropriate messages for different stakeholders. Audiences were able to recognize the abortion context, distinguish between assumptions, myths and realities surrounding unwanted pregnancy and abortion; recognize imperative to address conflict between personal and professional values, and identify different roles and values which inform empathetic attitudes and behaviors that mitigate abortion harms. The five pathways of the theory of change reinforced each other. Using the AHR model, we delineate strategies and activities which stakeholders could use to end abortion deaths. VCAT enables critical reflection of views, beliefs and values versus professional obligations and responsibilities, and promotes active attitude and behavior change and commitment to end abortion-related deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Peter Kayondo
- Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Uganda, P.O. Box 11966, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Dan Kabonge Kaye
- Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Uganda, P.O. Box 11966, Kampala, Uganda.
| | | | - Susan Nassuuna
- Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Uganda, P.O. Box 11966, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Othiniel Musana
- Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Uganda, P.O. Box 11966, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Imelda Namagembe
- Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Uganda, P.O. Box 11966, Kampala, Uganda
| | - John Paul Nsanja
- Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Uganda, P.O. Box 11966, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jessica Morris
- International Federation of Gynecologists and Obstetricians (FIGO), FIGO Headquarters, London, UK
| | - Hani Fawzi
- International Federation of Gynecologists and Obstetricians (FIGO), FIGO Headquarters, London, UK
| | | | - Jameen Kaur
- International Federation of Gynecologists and Obstetricians (FIGO), FIGO Headquarters, London, UK
| | - Matthew Pretty
- International Federation of Gynecologists and Obstetricians (FIGO), FIGO Headquarters, London, UK
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McGrath J, Lhussier M, Crossley S, Forster N. "They Tarred Me with the Same Brush": Navigating Stigma in the Context of Child Removal. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6162. [PMID: 37372749 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20126162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Child removals are increasing in England and Wales. Family court involvement is particularly common among women with multiple disadvantages, and the rates are higher in economically marginalised areas. This article aims to explore women's narratives of child removal within life stories of homelessness and examines how stigma, power and State surveillance manifest in their experiences. Data drawn from qualitative interviews with 14 mothers in the north-east of England who had experienced the removal of their children through the family courts are explored within the wider context of a neoliberal political agenda of "troubled families", and in particular, "deviant mothers". The participants describe how stigma structured their interactions with social services. Despite the known poor outcomes associated with child removal for both mothers and children, professional involvement often tapers off afterwards, with little support for mothers. Drawing on women's accounts, we seek to illuminate their experiences of child removal and enhance our understanding of how stigma plays out in statutory settings, further entrenching social exclusion and ultimately increasing health inequalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne McGrath
- Department of Social Work, Education and Community Wellbeing, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK
| | - Monique Lhussier
- Department of Social Work, Education and Community Wellbeing, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK
| | | | - Natalie Forster
- Department of Social Work, Education and Community Wellbeing, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK
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Roncoroni J, Whitaker S, Magdamo B, Hendrix T, Zaręba K, Yohannes R. Perceptions of Patient-Centered Care and Their Association With Patient Satisfaction in Abortions for Medical Reasons. Womens Health Issues 2023:S1049-3867(23)00069-5. [PMID: 37230927 DOI: 10.1016/j.whi.2023.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Abortions for medical reasons, which happen in the event of fetal abnormalities or maternal life endangerment, are highly politicized and understudied given their prevalence. Our objective was to understand the health care experiences of U.S. individuals who had an abortion of a wanted pregnancy for medical reasons in the second or third trimester. METHODS Participants were recruited on Facebook and completed surveys with their demographic information, their perception of their health provider's cultural sensitivity, their patient satisfaction, and their satisfaction with their decision to proceed with an abortion for medical reasons. RESULTS Participants were 132 women who were mostly between the ages of 31 and 40 (72.7%), highly educated (84.1% had at least a 4-year college degree), and non-Hispanic White (85.6%). There was no statistically significant difference in patients' rated highest average item score on their providers' Competence or Sensitivity; however, average item scores of providers' Competence and Sensitivity were both higher than Respect scores. Linear regression results show that experiencing patient-centered care significantly predicted patient satisfaction (β = .73, t(131) = 12.03, p < .001) and decision satisfaction (β = .37, t(131) = 4.63, p < .001). CONCLUSION Our findings underscore the importance of training providers to deliver patient-centered care that empowers patients to adapt to challenging situations, such as the diagnosis of medical concerns during pregnancy. Providers understanding and supporting the complex process of an abortion for medical reasons can ameliorate the emotional impact of this procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Roncoroni
- Department of Counseling Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado.
| | - Salina Whitaker
- Department of Counseling Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado
| | - Brigid Magdamo
- Department of Counseling Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado
| | - Tayler Hendrix
- Department of Counseling Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado
| | - Kornelia Zaręba
- Obstetrics & Gynecology Department, College of Medicine & Health Sciences (CMHS), United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rebekah Yohannes
- Department of Counseling Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado
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22
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Pagoto SL, Palmer L, Horwitz-Willis N. The Next Infodemic: Abortion Misinformation. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e42582. [PMID: 37140975 DOI: 10.2196/42582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines an infodemic as the proliferation of false or misleading information that leads to confusion, mistrust in health authorities, and the rejection of public health recommendations. The devastating impacts of an infodemic on public health were felt during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are now on the precipice of another infodemic, this one regarding abortion. On June 24, 2022, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization resulted in the reversal of Roe v. Wade, which had protected a woman's right to have an abortion for nearly 50 years. The reversal of Roe v. Wade has given way to an abortion infodemic that is being exacerbated by a confusing and rapidly changing legislative landscape, the proliferation of abortion disinformants on the web, lax efforts by social media companies to abate abortion misinformation, and proposed legislation that threatens to prohibit the distribution of evidence-based abortion information. The abortion infodemic threatens to worsen the detrimental effects of the Roe v. Wade reversal on maternal morbidity and mortality. It also comes with unique barriers to traditional abatement efforts. In this piece, we lay out these challenges and urgently call for a public health research agenda on the abortion infodemic to stimulate the development of evidence-based public health efforts to mitigate the impact of misinformation on the increased maternal morbidity and mortality that is expected to result from abortion restrictions, particularly among marginalized populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherry L Pagoto
- UConn Center for mHealth and Social Media, UConn Institute for Collaboration in Health, Interventions, and Policy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Lindsay Palmer
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Nate Horwitz-Willis
- Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts, Boston, MA, United States
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Rivlin K, Kissling A, Sackeim MG. "They were there because they were pregnant. Which is a really apolitical thing"-Medical student discussions of politics in abortion care in the United States. Contraception 2023; 120:109922. [PMID: 36535416 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2022.109922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES State abortion policies can vary widely. Geographic location and political climate could influence a medical student's abortion education experience. We compared how medical students training in one permissive and one restrictive state discussed politics in abortion care. STUDY DESIGN From 2018 to 2019, we interviewed US medical students during their Obstetrics and Gynecology rotation from two Midwestern academic centers with differing state abortion policies-one in Ohio (restrictive) and one in Illinois (permissive). In-depth interviews occurred following an abortion shadowing experience and included questions about politics in abortion care. We sorted data using flexible coding, with index codes around "politics," followed by specific analytic coding. We compared codes by medical school using NVIVO software. RESULTS We interviewed 28 students (50% in Ohio). Students in Ohio discussed specific barriers to patient care and how politics infringed upon the quality of medical care, describing abortion as stigmatized care. Students in Illinois described abortion as high-quality medical care, delivered without the infringement of restrictive laws. Students at both schools described their medical school climates as supportive to abortion, yet in Ohio, students described exposure to more diverse abortion views than Illinois students. Ohio students also described engaging in abortion advocacy work, while Illinois students felt more politically disconnected. CONCLUSIONS Even as clinical training opportunities decline, restrictive states may hold unique advocacy opportunities. Educators should tailor abortion curricula to address state level differences, as disparities in abortion access and student learning opportunities widen. IMPLICATIONS Students training in permissive states see abortion as routine health care, occurring without political interference. Students in restrictive states see abortion as hindered by politics and stigmatized, which may encourage advocacy. Educators should tailor curricula to address state level differences as disparities in abortion access and student learning opportunities widen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Rivlin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States.
| | - Alexandra Kissling
- Department of Sociology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Maryl G Sackeim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
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24
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Teoh SJY, Low PK, Ramsay JE. In Search of Safe Spaces: An Exploratory Study of the Anticipated Help-Seeking Needs and Preferences of Protestant Christian Women in Singapore with Respect to a Hypothetical Abortion Scenario. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2023; 62:819-838. [PMID: 36811725 PMCID: PMC10042958 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-023-01766-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Research suggests that religious beliefs may contribute to abortion stigma, resulting in increased secrecy, reduced social support and help-seeking as well as poor coping and negative emotional consequences such as shame and guilt. This study sought to explore the anticipated help-seeking preferences and difficulties of Protestant Christian women in Singapore with regard to a hypothetical abortion scenario. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 self-identified Christian women recruited through purposive and snowball sampling. The sample was largely Singaporean and all participants were ethnically Chinese females of a similar age range (late twenties to mid-thirties). All willing participants were recruited regardless of denomination. All participants anticipated experiences of felt, enacted and internalized stigma. These were affected by their perceptions of God (e.g., how they see abortion), their personal definitions of "life" and their perceptions of their religio-social environment (e.g., perceived social safety and fears). These concerns contributed to participants choosing both faith-based and secular formal support sources with caveats, despite a primary preference for faith-based informal support and secondary preference for faith-based formal support. All participants anticipated negative post-abortion emotional outcomes, coping difficulties and short-term decision dissatisfaction. However, participants who reported more accepting views of abortion also anticipated an increase in decision satisfaction and well-being in the longer term.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Y Teoh
- School of Social and Health Sciences, James Cook University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - P K Low
- School of Social and Health Sciences, James Cook University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - J E Ramsay
- School of Social and Health Sciences, James Cook University, Singapore, Singapore.
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25
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Li X, Peng H, Hu S, Xie J, Qin C. How does stigma influence depressive symptoms among women who underwent termination of pregnancy for foetal anomaly: A path analysis. J Clin Nurs 2023; 32:1410-1420. [PMID: 35583605 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.16372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIM AND OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to explore the effect and paths of stigma on depressive symptoms in women who underwent termination of pregnancy for foetal anomaly (TOPFA). BACKGROUND Stigma may cause distress and depressive symptoms for women with TOPFA. However, few studies have examined the relationship between stigma and depression in women with TOPFA. DESIGN This study followed the STROBE checklist. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 469 women with TOPFA. The path analysis used hierarchical multiple regression and structural equation model to examine the mediating role of social support and psychological flexibility on the relationship between stigma and depressive symptoms. RESULTS Hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed the mediation effect of psychological flexibility between stigma and depressive symptoms. By contrast, social support did not present such effect. The structural equation model confirmed that stigma, directly and indirectly, affected depressive symptoms. DISCUSSION Many women with TOPFA have severe depressive symptoms and that stigma is an important influencing factor. Psychological flexibility plays an essential role in mitigating the effects of stigma on depressive symptoms. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Healthcare professionals should focus on measuring and intervening on stigma and psychological flexibility for alleviating the depressive symptoms of women with TOPFA. No Patient or Public Contribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Li
- Department of Health Management, Third XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Jishou University School of Medical, Jishou, China
| | - Huiting Peng
- Department of Gynaecology, Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Siqing Hu
- XiangYa Nursing School, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jiaying Xie
- XiangYa Nursing School, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chunxiang Qin
- Department of Health Management, Third XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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26
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Røseth I, Lyberg AM, Sommerseth E, Sandvik BM, Dahl B. “Out of This World”: Norwegian Women’s Experiences of Medical Abortion Pain. J Multidiscip Healthc 2023; 16:889-898. [PMID: 37038454 PMCID: PMC10082597 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s399209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Medical abortion has rapidly become the dominant abortion method in western countries. Pain is a known adverse effect; however, few studies have explored women's subjective experience of medical abortion pain. Purpose To explore Norwegian women's experiences of pain when performing a medical abortion at home. Material and Methods We recruited 24 women through an advertisement on Facebook and conducted semi-structured, face-to-face interviews. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and the data were analyzed using a phenomenological hermeneutical method. Results Our findings consisted of two main themes: 1) Being in pain or becoming pain, and 2) Being caught off guard and struggling to cope. Participants described undergoing severe pain, comparable to giving birth, during the medical abortion. Unprepared for the type and intensity of the pain, they felt anxious and insecure. Pain is physical, but it also has important psychological, social, and existential dimensions. Our culture (in)forms our thoughts and feelings about our pain, affecting our ability to endure suffering. The participants' experiences of abortion pain prompt timely questions concerning gendered socio-cultural and existential meanings connected to pain, specifically in relation to female reproductive functions. Conclusion Women need realistic information about the type and intensity of abortion pain, as well as evidence-based pain medication. Psychological factors may affect the experience of abortion pain and should therefore be taken into account in abortion care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idun Røseth
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Telemark Hospital Trust, Skien, Norway
- Centre for Women’s, Family and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway, Borre, Norway
- Correspondence: Idun Røseth, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Telemark Hospital Trust, P.O Box 2900 Kjørbekk, Skien, 3710, Norway, Tel +47 41200462, Email
| | - Anne Marit Lyberg
- Centre for Women’s, Family and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway, Borre, Norway
| | - Eva Sommerseth
- Centre for Women’s, Family and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway, Borre, Norway
| | - Berit Margethe Sandvik
- Centre for Women’s, Family and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway, Borre, Norway
| | - Bente Dahl
- Centre for Women’s, Family and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway, Borre, Norway
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Tirado V, Ekström AM, Orsini N, Hanson C, Strömdahl S. Knowledge of the abortion law and key legal issues of sexual and reproductive health and rights among recently arrived migrants in Sweden: a cross-sectional survey. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:551. [PMID: 36959645 PMCID: PMC10035217 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15399-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), including access and information on the laws and policies related to abortion, varies considerably between countries. Migrants may have limited knowledge of SRHR and related resources in their new country. This study investigates migrants’ knowledge of the right to safe and legal abortion and other associated factors including the recent law on sexual consent, the legal age for sexual consent and age to marry in Sweden. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study from 2018 to 2019 among recent migrants attending high schools or Swedish language schools. Descriptive statistics were computed on the knowledge of the Swedish abortion law and other legal aspects. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess if migrants’ socio-demographic characteristics were associated with knowledge (i.e. correct/incorrect) of the Swedish abortion law and other key SRHR-related legal issues. Results Of the total 6,263 participants, 3,557 (57%) responded about whether it is legal to have an induced abortion in Sweden, and of these, 2,632 (74%) answered incorrectly. While more than half (61%) of the respondents knew the sexual consent law, nearly half (48%) did not know that sexual consent is also required for married couples. About 90% correctly responded that it is illegal to have sex with a minor (under the age of 15) and were aware of the legal age (18 years) to marry in Sweden. Incorrect knowledge of the Swedish abortion law was associated with being religious (adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 2.12; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.42–3.15), not having previous sexual health education (AOR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.38–2.05), coming from a country with predominantly restrictive abortion laws (AOR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.16–1.84), low level of education (AOR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.04–1.61) and having a temporary residence permit (AOR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.02–1.57). Conclusion We found a substantial lack of knowledge among migrants of reproductive age in Sweden regarding important laws and policies of SRHR, particularly the right to abortion. SRHR-related programmes and comprehensive sexual health education for recently arrived migrants could include components to increase knowledge of legal and safe abortions and other laws concerning SRHR. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-023-15399-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Tirado
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Mia Ekström
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- grid.416648.90000 0000 8986 2221Department of Infectious Diseases, Venhälsan, Södersjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nicola Orsini
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Claudia Hanson
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- grid.8991.90000 0004 0425 469XLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Susanne Strömdahl
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- grid.8993.b0000 0004 1936 9457Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Scoglio AAJ, Nayak SS. Alignment of state-level policies and public attitudes towards abortion legality and government restrictions on abortion in the United States. Soc Sci Med 2023; 320:115724. [PMID: 36709689 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.115724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Contextual factors can shape public opinion towards abortion. We investigated the association between the state-level abortion legislative climate and individual attitudes towards abortion legality and government restrictions of abortion access in the United States. METHODS Data come from the 2020 Cooperative Congressional Election Study (n = 61,000). Using multivariable logistic regression with generalized estimating equations, we explored whether state-level abortion policy climates (based on the Guttmacher Institute's 2020 rating of state abortion policies) were associated with individual attitudes (1) towards abortion legality, and (2) towards government restriction of abortion access, controlling for individual socio-demographic factors. RESULTS Eighty-eight percent of participants supported the legality of abortion in some or all circumstances. Conversely, 30% of the sample opposed all federal government restrictions on abortion. More than 60% of the sample lived in highly abortion-restrictive states. Participants living in states with a more supportive abortion legislative climate were more likely to support the legality of abortion in some or all circumstances (AOR = 1.07, (95% CI 1.05, 1.09). Participants in states with more supportive abortion policies were more likely to oppose federal governmental restrictions (AOR = 1.03, 95% CI 1.02, 1.04). Low religiosity, higher educational attainment, and politically liberal views were associated with increased support for abortion legality and increased opposition to government restrictions on abortion. CONCLUSIONS State-level abortion policy contexts were positively associated with public attitudes towards abortion. While attitudes towards abortion legality are favorable across the country; there is also strong support at least one type of government restriction on abortion access. Results highlight a disconnect between multifaceted public attitudes towards abortion and polarized state contexts, suggesting that policymaking on abortion represents a higher level of polarization than exists at the individual level. Policymakers and legislators should more carefully consider the desires of the public when designing abortion legislation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arielle A J Scoglio
- Department of Natural and Applied Sciences, Bentley University, Waltham, MA, USA; Epidemiology Department, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Sameera S Nayak
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Public Health, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Biggs MA, Driver M, Kaller S, Ralph LJ. Unwanted abortion disclosure and social support in the abortion decision and mental health symptoms: A cross-sectional survey. Contraception 2023; 119:109905. [PMID: 36415007 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2022.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the extent of unwanted abortion disclosure and levels of social support in the abortion decision and their association with depression, anxiety, and stress. STUDY DESIGN From January to June 2019, we surveyed people presenting for abortion at four clinics in California, New Mexico, and Illinois regarding their experiences accessing abortion. We used multivariable regression to examine associations between unwanted abortion disclosure and social support in the abortion decision, and symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. RESULTS Among 1092 people approached, 784 (72% response rate) eligible individuals initiated the survey, and 746 responded to the unwanted abortion disclosure item and were included in analyses. Over one-quarter (27%) told someone they would have preferred not to tell about their decision, mostly due to obstacles getting to the appointment-time to appointment (46%), travel distance (33%), and costs (32%). Three-quarters (74%, n=546) had at least one person in their life who supported the abortion decision "very much"; 20% had someone who supported the decision "not at all." In adjusted analyses, unwanted abortion disclosure was associated with more symptoms of depression (B = 0.62, 95% confidence interval: 0.28, 0.95), anxiety (B = 1.79; 95% CI: 0.76, 2.82) and stress (B = 1.80, 95% CI: 0.64, 1.72). People also had more symptoms of depression and stress when one or more person (B = 0.64; 95% CI: 0.27, 1.02 and B = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.15, 1.35, respectively) or the man involved in the pregnancy (B = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.16, 1.18 and B = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.13, 1.78, respectively) supported their decision "not at all" (vs "very much" support). CONCLUSION Being forced to disclose the abortion decision due to logistical and cost constraints may be harmful to people's mental health. IMPLICATIONS Logistical burdens such as travel, time to access care, and costs needed to access abortion may force people seeking abortion to involve others who are unsupportive in the abortion decision having negative implications for their mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Antonia Biggs
- Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health, Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.
| | - Matthew Driver
- University of Washington, School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Shelly Kaller
- Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health, Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Lauren J Ralph
- Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health, Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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Bowman-Smart H, Gyngell C, Mand C, Amor DJ, Delatycki MB, Savulescu J. Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing for "Non-Medical" Traits: Ensuring Consistency in Ethical Decision-Making. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOETHICS : AJOB 2023; 23:3-20. [PMID: 34846986 PMCID: PMC7614328 DOI: 10.1080/15265161.2021.1996659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The scope of noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) could expand in the future to include detailed analysis of the fetal genome. This will allow for the testing for virtually any trait with a genetic contribution, including "non-medical" traits. Here we discuss the potential use of NIPT for these traits. We outline a scenario which highlights possible inconsistencies with ethical decision-making. We then discuss the case against permitting these uses. The objections include practical problems; increasing inequities; increasing the burden of choice; negative impacts on the child, family, and society; and issues with implementation. We then outline the case for permitting the use of NIPT for these traits. These include arguments for reproductive liberty and autonomy; questioning the labeling of traits as "non-medical"; and the principle of procreative beneficence. This summary of the case for and against can serve as a basis for the development of a consistent and coherent ethical framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilary Bowman-Smart
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, Australia
- Corresponding author: Hilary Bowman-Smart Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, 50 Flemington Rd, Parkville Victoria Australia 3052, , (03) 8341 6200
| | - Christopher Gyngell
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, Australia
| | - Cara Mand
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, Australia
| | - David J. Amor
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, Australia
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Parkville, Australia
| | - Martin B. Delatycki
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, Australia
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Parkville, Australia
| | - Julian Savulescu
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, Australia
- Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Kim T, Steinberg JR. Individual changes in abortion knowledge and attitudes. Soc Sci Med 2023; 320:115722. [PMID: 36709693 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.115722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Policymakers need to know the abortion attitudes of those they represent. In addition, inaccurate knowledge of or negative attitudes toward abortion may lead to more abortion stigma, which may adversely affect abortion access and women's health. OBJECTIVE The first objective was to examine whether individual's abortion knowledge and attitudes changed during 2016-2020 in Delaware and Maryland. The second was to explore whether personally knowing someone who had an abortion in 2020 was associated with knowledge, attitudes, and changes in them from 2016 to 2020. METHODS Data were from the Delaware [Maryland] Survey of Women, a probability sample that was self-administered via web and mail (N = 1106). Women aged 18-44 from Delaware and Maryland were followed from 2016/2017 to 2019/2020. Outcomes were each two facets of abortion knowledge (perceived safety and perceived access) and abortion attitudes (acceptability and advocacy self-identification), and changes in these outcomes. The main predictor was whether women personally knew someone who had an abortion. Covariates included state, religiosity, pregnancy history, and sociodemographic factors. We used logistic models with inverse probability weights. RESULTS The percentage of respondents who changed between the first and third waves varied: 46% changed their views on safety and accessibility; 21% changed their views on acceptability; and 25% changed their advocacy self-identification. Knowing someone personally who had an abortion was associated with changing toward viewing abortion as very safe and towards pro-choice, and with not changing towards viewing abortion as wrong or identifying as pro-life. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest abortion knowledge and attitudes are not fixed but change over time, and knowing someone who had an abortion or having an abortion oneself was associated with changing toward positive attitudes and accurate knowledge. Sharing one's abortion experience with others one knows may reduce negative attitudes and inaccurate knowledge regarding abortion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taehyun Kim
- Department of Health Policy and Management, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, MD, USA.
| | - Julia R Steinberg
- Department of Family Science, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, MD, USA
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Ratcliffe SE, Smylie CS, Pinkus RT, Dar-Nimrod I, Juraskova I, Dhillon HM. What is the optimal tool for measuring abortion stigma? A systematic review. EUR J CONTRACEP REPR 2023; 28:97-112. [PMID: 36803281 DOI: 10.1080/13625187.2023.2177506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Abortion stigma is a barrier to accessing and delivering comprehensive, sustainable healthcare. This study aimed to systematically identify measures of abortion stigma, and assess their psychometric properties and uses. MATERIALS AND METHODS The systematic review was preregistered with PROSPERO (ID#127339) and adhered to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Eight databases were screened for articles measuring abortion stigma. Data were extracted by four researchers and checked for accuracy by two reviewers. Psychometric properties were assessed with COSMIN guidelines. RESULTS Of 102 articles reviewed, 21 reported original measures of abortion stigma. Instruments assessed individual and community level stigma for people who have had an abortion (n = 8), healthcare professionals (n = 4), and the public (n = 9), and predominantly originated from the United States (U.S.). Measures varied in structure, use, and comprehensiveness of psychometric properties. On psychometric properties, the Individual Level Abortion Stigma scale and Abortion Provider Stigma Scale - Revised performed best for individual-level stigma and the Stigmatising Attitudes, Beliefs and Actions Scale for community-level stigma. CONCLUSION Gaps in abortion stigma measurement include geography, conceptualisation, and structural-level stigma. Continued development and testing of tools and methods for measuring abortion stigma is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Ratcliffe
- School of Psychology, Centre for Medical Psychology & Evidence-based Decision-Making, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Clare S Smylie
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Rebecca T Pinkus
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Ilan Dar-Nimrod
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia.,The Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, John Hopkins Dr, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Ilona Juraskova
- School of Psychology, Centre for Medical Psychology & Evidence-based Decision-Making, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Haryana M Dhillon
- School of Psychology, Centre for Medical Psychology & Evidence-based Decision-Making, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
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Bergman ME, Gaskins VA, Allen T, Cheung HK, Hebl M, King EB, Sinclair RR, Siuta RL, Wolfe C, Zelin AI. The Dobbs Decision and the Future of Occupational Health in the US. OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SCIENCE 2023; 7:1-37. [PMID: 36843836 PMCID: PMC9940085 DOI: 10.1007/s41542-023-00143-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Access to abortion care has a profound impact on women's ability to participate in the workforce. In the US, restrictions on abortion care have waxed and waned over the years, including periods when abortion was broadly permitted across the nation for most pregnant people for a substantial proportion of pregnancy and times when restrictions varied across states, including states where abortion is banned for nearly all reasons. Additionally, access to abortion care has always been a reproductive justice issue, with some people more able to access this care than others even when it is structurally available. In June 2022, the US Supreme Court handed down the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, returning to states the ability to determine restrictions on abortion, including near-total bans on abortion. In this anthology, ten experts share their perspectives on what the Dobbs decision means for the future, how it will exacerbate existing, well-researched issues, and likely also create new challenges needing investigation. Some contributions are focused on research directions, some focus on implications for organizations, and most include both. All contributions share relevant occupational health literature and describe the effects of the Dobbs decision in context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mindy E. Bergman
- grid.264756.40000 0004 4687 2082Texas A&M University, College Station, TX USA
| | | | - Tammy Allen
- grid.170693.a0000 0001 2353 285XUniversity of South Florida, Tampa, FL USA
| | - Ho Kwan Cheung
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta Canada
| | - Mikki Hebl
- grid.21940.3e0000 0004 1936 8278Rice University, Houston, TX USA
| | - Eden B. King
- grid.21940.3e0000 0004 1936 8278Rice University, Houston, TX USA
| | | | - Rose L. Siuta
- grid.264756.40000 0004 4687 2082Texas A&M University, College Station, TX USA
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Jones A, Huslage M, Dalton M. "Any Reason is Valid:" How an Unexpected Abortion Disclosure is Received by an Online Community. SOCIAL WORK IN PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 38:85-94. [PMID: 35796351 DOI: 10.1080/19371918.2022.2096736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This study utilized a social media post by a well-known social media influencer and the accompanying 63 responses to explore feelings and experiences related to abortion. This study employed qualitative thematic analysis and identified three themes related to reasons for abortion (i.e., relationship issues, not being ready for pregnancy, and other reasons) and one supplemental theme of bystander support. Findings highlight the efforts of many respondents to normalize abortion as an issue of women's health and women's rights. In fact, in response to the original post's discussion regarding valid reasons for an abortion, most respondents remarked similarly that any reason is valid. While study limitations include concerns regarding generalizability, this study provides access to abortion experiences outside of a traditional health clinic survey and insight into the abortion beliefs of women, both who have and have not experienced an abortion. Findings are in line with previous studies which found that multiple reasons are cited for obtaining an abortion, but also revealed a more supportive climate than the divisive discourse typically portrayed in the media. This suggests the timing may be conducive for efforts aiming to normalize abortion and reduce stigma, including potential avenues for interventions (e.g., social networks and platforms). Lastly, the innovative use of social media to inform this study should be considered by others as they seek to understand and explore topics that can be challenging to study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aubrey Jones
- College of Social Work, The University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Melody Huslage
- College of Social Work, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Miranda Dalton
- College of Social Work, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
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Kaller S, Ralph L, Wingo E, Biggs MA. Abortion terminology preferences: a cross-sectional survey of people accessing abortion care. BMC Womens Health 2023; 23:26. [PMID: 36658525 PMCID: PMC9850636 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-022-02152-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abortion stigma likely affects the terminology abortion patients, providers and the public use or avoid using to refer to abortion care. Knowing the terminology people seeking abortion prefer could help inform the language used in clinical interactions and improve patients' experiences with abortion care. However, research in the U.S. has not examined patients' preferences in this area or whether terminology preferences vary by participant characteristics, in the way that experiences of stigma vary across different contexts and communities. This study aims to describe preferred terminology among people presenting for abortion care and to explore the pregnancy-related characteristics associated with these preferences. METHODS We surveyed abortion patients about their experiences accessing abortion care, including preferred terms for the procedure. Respondents could mark more than one term, suggest their own term, or indicate no preference. We recruited people ages 15-45 seeking abortion from four U.S. abortion facilities located in three states (California, Illinois, and New Mexico) from January to June 2019. We used descriptive statistics and multivariable multinomial logistic regression to explore associations between respondents' pregnancy-related characteristics and their preferred terminology. RESULTS Among the 1092 people approached, 784 (77%) initiated the survey and 697 responded to the terminology preference question. Most participants (57%, n = 400) preferred only one term. Among those participants, "abortion" (43%) was most preferred, followed by "ending a pregnancy" (29%), and "pregnancy termination" (24%). In adjusted multivariable models, participants who worried "very much" that other people might find out about the abortion (29%) were significantly more likely than those who were "not at all" worried (13%) to prefer "ending a pregnancy" over having no preference for a term (adjusted relative risk ratio: 2.68, 95% Confidence Interval: 1.46-4.92). CONCLUSIONS People seeking abortion have varied preferences for how they want to refer to their abortions, in particular if they anticipate abortion stigma. Findings can be useful for clinicians and researchers so that they can be responsive to people's preferences during clinical interactions and in the design and conduct of abortion research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelly Kaller
- grid.266102.10000 0001 2297 6811Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health, University of California San Francisco, 1330 Broadway, Suite 1100, Oakland, CA 94612 USA
| | - Lauren Ralph
- grid.266102.10000 0001 2297 6811Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health, University of California San Francisco, 1330 Broadway, Suite 1100, Oakland, CA 94612 USA
| | - Erin Wingo
- grid.266102.10000 0001 2297 6811Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health, University of California San Francisco, 1330 Broadway, Suite 1100, Oakland, CA 94612 USA ,grid.266102.10000 0001 2297 6811Present Address: Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of California San Francisco, 995 Potrero Ave, San Francisco, CA 94110 USA
| | - M. Antonia Biggs
- grid.266102.10000 0001 2297 6811Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health, University of California San Francisco, 1330 Broadway, Suite 1100, Oakland, CA 94612 USA
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Assessing psychosocial costs: Ohio patients' experiences seeking abortion care. Contraception 2023; 117:45-49. [PMID: 36087646 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2022.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Existing research has not thoroughly characterized the psychosocial costs associated with seeking abortion care in restrictive states. Our study seeks to fill this gap by analyzing the accounts of Ohio abortion patients from 2018 to 2019. STUDY DESIGN Using inductive and deductive approaches, we analyzed semi-structured in-depth qualitative interviews with 41 Ohio residents who obtained abortion care from one of three clinics in Ohio or Pennsylvania. RESULTS Ohioans seeking abortion care often experienced fear of judgment, interpersonal strain, and stress as a result of efforts to overcome pre-Dobbs financial, geographic, and timing challenges. Those who needed financial assistance or traveled more than an hour generally reported greater exposure to psychosocial costs. CONCLUSIONS Participants in this study incurred a complex set of psychosocial costs. Psychosocial costs often resulted from, or were exacerbated by, the financial, geographic, and time-sensitive burdens that patients experienced seeking care. IMPLICATIONS The psychosocial costs incurred by patients seeking abortion care may be exacerbated in restrictive contexts, especially those who do not have access to insurance coverage for care. Psychosocial costs associated with care seeking are likely to increase as states implement more severe restrictions post-Dobbs. To fully understand abortion costs, researchers must examine costs comprehensively, including both financial and psychosocial costs.
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Zuniga C, Ragosta S, Thompson TA. Recruiting foreign-born individuals who have sought an abortion in the United States: Lessons from a feasibility study. Front Glob Womens Health 2023; 4:1114820. [PMID: 37143605 PMCID: PMC10151930 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2023.1114820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Although studies have documented challenges people encounter when attempting to access abortion care in the United States, there is little research on the perspectives and experiences of foreign-born individuals, who may encounter unique barriers to accessing care. Since lack of data may be due to difficulty recruiting this population, we explored the feasibility of using social media to recruit foreign-born individuals who have sought an abortion into interviews to share their abortion experiences. Our target population was limited to English and Spanish-speakers due to budget constraints. As this recruitment method was unsuccessful, we attempted to recruit our target population through the crowdsourcing website, Amazon Mechanical Turk (mTurk) to take a one-time survey on their abortion experience. Both online recruitment methods yielded a significant number of fraudulent responses. Although we aimed to collaborate with organizations that work closely with immigrant populations, they were unavailable to assist with recruitment efforts at the time of the study. Future abortion research utilizing online methods to recruit foreign-born populations should consider incorporating information on their target populations' use of online platforms as well as cultural views on abortion in order to develop effective recruitment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmela Zuniga
- Ibis Reproductive Health, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Correspondence: Carmela Zuniga
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Hunter J, Houchens N, Gupta A. Quality and safety in the literature: January 2023. BMJ Qual Saf 2023; 32:56-60. [PMID: 36549698 DOI: 10.1136/bmjqs-2022-015682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- John Hunter
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Nathan Houchens
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.,Medicine Service, Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Ashwin Gupta
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.,Medicine Service, Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Li X, Peng H, Zeng L, Owusua T, Wang Y, Wang Y, Qin C. Stigma and its influencing factors among women with termination of pregnancy for fetal anomaly: A cross-sectional study. Midwifery 2023; 116:103553. [PMID: 36410260 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2022.103553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the level of stigma and identify its influencing factors among women with termination of pregnancy for fetal anomaly(TOPFA) in China. DESIGN This was a cross-sectional study design. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS A total of 469 women with TOPFA were recruited from a tertiary care hospital in China using a convenience sampling method. MEASUREMENT AND FINDINGS Women with TOPFA participating in the study completed the Demographic Characteristics Questionnaire, Individual Level Abortion Stigma Scale(ILASS), Acceptance and Action Questionnaire- II scale(AQQ- II), Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire scale (CFQ), Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale(MPSS), Responses to Stress Questionnaire (RSQ). Women with TOPFA reported moderate levels of stigma(1.49±0.60). Multiple linear regression showed that correlates influencing their stigma included gestational age (β =0.103, P < 0.05), psychological flexibility (β =-0.319, P < 0.01), social support(β =-0.190, P < 0.01), and disengagement coping(β =0.148, P < 0.05). KEY CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE Gestational age and disengagement coping are positive predictors of stigma, but psychological flexibility and social support are negative predictors of stigma. Further attention should focus on developing targeted intervention strategies to improve protective and reduce harmful factors to confront the stigma-related challenges faced by women with TOPFA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Li
- Department of Health Management, The Third XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Jishou University School of Medical, Jishou, China.
| | - Huiting Peng
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, China; Department of Gynaecology, Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Lihong Zeng
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | | | - Ying Wang
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yaohan Wang
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chunxiang Qin
- Department of Health Management, The Third XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
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Chełstowska A, Ignaciuk A. Criminalization, Medicalization, and Stigmatization: Genealogies of Abortion Activism in Poland. SIGNS 2023. [DOI: 10.1086/722897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
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Wang N, Creedy DK, Zhang M, Lu H, Elder E, Allen J, Guo L, Xiao Q, Gamble J. Designing a Needs-Oriented Psychological Intervention for Chinese Women Undergoing an Abortion. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:782. [PMID: 36613103 PMCID: PMC9819149 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Accessing good quality abortion care is a fundamental human right and contributes to achieving Sustainable Development Goals. However, well-designed abortion care that meets women's needs is limited. This study aims to systematically develop an intervention to promote the psychological well-being of Chinese women undergoing an abortion. A five-step iterative approach informed by intervention mapping was undertaken to determine the intervention design. Step 1 used in-depth interviews with 14 Chinese women undergoing an abortion to assess real-life stressors and support needs. We identified eight stressors and found women's support needs varied with the time trajectory of the abortion. Step 2 used a focus group discussion with care providers to select modifiable stressors that impact negative psychological outcomes. In Step 3 and Step 4, we determined and integrated the exact strategies to eliminate or mitigate possible modifiable stressors by incorporating information from in-depth interviews and the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping. The integrated strategies were instructional support, informational support, and timely communication. In Step 5, we composed the detailed intervention design according to the best available evidence and, to confirm content validity, consulted 10 women who had undergone abortion in the previous 2-6 weeks. The intervention was titled STress-And-coping suppoRT (START), which included four interacting components: (1) a face-to-face consultation at the first appointment; (2) a printed booklet with information on abortion, self-care, and managing emotions and intimate relationships; (3) a WeChat-based online public profile page offering the same information as the booklet; (4) a telephone hotline. This study paves the way for a new approach to addressing the psychological needs of women experiencing abortion in China. The rigorous process provides an example of developing tailored health promotion interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Wang
- School of Nursing, Capital Medical University, 10 Xitoutiao Road, Fengtai District, Beijing 100069, China
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Gold Coast Campus, Griffith University, Parklands Drive, Southport, Gold Coast, QLD 4215, Australia
| | - Debra K. Creedy
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Logan Campus, Griffith University, University Drive, Meadowbrook, Brisbane, QLD 4131, Australia
| | - Mingna Zhang
- School of Nursing, Capital Medical University, 10 Xitoutiao Road, Fengtai District, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Hong Lu
- School of Nursing, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Elizabeth Elder
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Gold Coast Campus, Griffith University, Parklands Drive, Southport, Gold Coast, QLD 4215, Australia
| | - Jyai Allen
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Logan Campus, Griffith University, University Drive, Meadowbrook, Brisbane, QLD 4131, Australia
| | - Li Guo
- School of Nursing, Capital Medical University, 10 Xitoutiao Road, Fengtai District, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Qian Xiao
- School of Nursing, Capital Medical University, 10 Xitoutiao Road, Fengtai District, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Jenny Gamble
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Logan Campus, Griffith University, University Drive, Meadowbrook, Brisbane, QLD 4131, Australia
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Pérez Sánchez B, Burgos Padilla JJ, Alveal-Álamos C, Concha-Salgado A, Jara Sepúlveda L, Rodríguez Díaz FJ. Design and study of psychometric properties of the Community Attitude to Abortion Scale (CAAS) with the Chilean population: Autonomy and Stigma. Front Psychol 2022; 13:1008492. [PMID: 36619109 PMCID: PMC9822711 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1008492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Attitudes toward abortion are related to structural, cultural, and direct gender-based violence. This violence can affect women's mental, physical and reproductive health. Therefore, it is essential to know the nature of community attitudes toward abortion. Since we currently do not have an instrument that measures attitudes towards abortion in Chile, we set the objective of this study to design the Community Attitude to Abortion Scale (CAAS) and analyze its psychometric properties in a Chilean community population. Methods This work is an instrumental design study. Using a sampling of panelists by sociodemographic quotas, we obtained a sample of 1,223 participants with a mean age of 36.7 years (SD = 13.56). Results As a result, we obtained a scale of 18 items and two correlated factors, Autonomy and Stigma. This structure fits better as an Exploratory Structural Equations Model (ESEM). Both factors have excellent internal consistency. In addition, we obtained evidence of concurrent and discriminant validity: The scores on the factors of the Universal Religious Involvement Scale (I-E12) correlated negatively with Autonomy and positively with Stigma; participants with low levels of identification with a right-wing political orientation, with high levels of identification with a leftwing, pro-feminist, pro-LGBTQ +, and pro-euthanasia political orientation, obtained higher mean scores on Autonomy and lower on Stigma. Discussion The CAAS is an adequate tool for use with the Chilean community population, with evidence of consistency and validity. La CAAS is the first tool to measure attitudes to abortion in this country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Pérez Sánchez
- Department of Psychology, University of La Frontera, Temuco, Chile,Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain,*Correspondence: Beatriz Pérez Sánchez,
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Goldberg C, Cheung HK. Organizational abortion support benefits in the post-Roe world: employee and employer perspectives. EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION: AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.1108/edi-08-2022-0209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PurposeThe authors discuss the implications of the recent United States Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson and its impact on employees and employers. Although several employers issued public statements regarding the provision of abortion-related benefits, the authors highlight some of the obstacles to their implementation.Design/methodology/approachWith a focus on employee wellbeing, the authors discuss the obstacles in implementing abortion care benefits.FindingsWhile it is encouraging to see many organizations make public statements in support of abortion rights, the authors temper their enthusiam with questions about practicality.Research limitations/implicationsBased on the research on hidden stigmas and the job demands-resources model, the authors argue that employees who need to use abortion-related benefits may be unlikely to seek them.Practical implicationsThe authors highlight some unanswered questions relating to the requesting and granting of abortion healthcare benefits.Social implicationsThe Dobbs decision takes away rights. While the authors applaud organizations’ efforts to restore them, facilitating access to an abortion in other states is quite complicated.Originality/valueAlthough abortions are very common, very little organizational research has addressed the topic. In light of the Dobbs v. Jackson decision, the paper raises some timely questions about employer-sponsored abortion healthcare.
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Kerestes C, Delafield R, Elia J, Shochet T, Kaneshiro B, Soon R. Person-centered, high-quality care from a distance: A qualitative study of patient experiences of TelAbortion, a model for direct-to-patient medication abortion by mail in the United States. PERSPECTIVES ON SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2022; 54:177-187. [PMID: 36229416 DOI: 10.1363/psrh.12210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Direct-to-patient telemedicine abortion allows people to receive mifepristone and misoprostol for medication abortion in their home without requiring an in-person visit with a healthcare provider. This method has high efficacy and safety, but less is known about the person-centered quality of care provided with telemedicine. METHODS We interviewed 45 participants from the TelAbortion study of direct-to-patient telemedicine abortion in the United States from January to July 2020. Semi-structured qualitative interviews queried their choices, barriers to care, expectations for care, actual abortion experience, and suggestions for improvement. We developed a codebook through an iterative, inductive process and performed content and thematic analyses. RESULTS The experience of direct-to-patient telemedicine abortion met the person-centered domains of dignity, autonomy, privacy, communication, social support, supportive care, trust, and environment. Four themes relate to the person-centered framework for reproductive health equity: (1) Participants felt well-supported and safe with TelAbortion; (2) Participants had autonomy in their care which led to feelings of empowerment; (3) TelAbortion exceeded expectations; and (4) Challenges arose when interfacing with the healthcare system outside of TelAbortion. Participants perceived abortion stigma which often led them to avoid traditional care and experienced enacted stigma during encounters with non-study healthcare workers. CONCLUSION TelAbortion is a high quality, person-centered care model that can empower patients seeking care in an increasingly challenging abortion context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney Kerestes
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai'i, USA
| | - Rebecca Delafield
- Department of Native Hawaiian Health, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai'i, USA
| | - Jennifer Elia
- Maternal and Infant Health, Early Childhood Action Strategy, Honolulu, Hawai'i, USA
| | - Tara Shochet
- Gynuity Health Projects, New York, New York, USA
| | - Bliss Kaneshiro
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai'i, USA
| | - Reni Soon
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai'i, USA
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Sasaki N, Ikeda M, Nishi D. Long-term influence of unintended pregnancy on psychological distress: a large sample retrospective cross-sectional study. Arch Womens Ment Health 2022; 25:1119-1127. [PMID: 36306037 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-022-01273-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the associations between childbirth decisions in women with unintended pregnancies and long-term psychological distress. An online survey of women selected from a representative research panel was conducted in July 2021. Among participants who experienced an unintended pregnancy, the childbirth decision was categorized: (i) wanted birth, (ii) abortion, (iii) adoption, and (iv) unwanted birth. Participants who made childbirth decisions more than 1 year ago were included. ANCOVA was conducted with psychological distress (Kessler 6) as the dependent variable and education, marital status, years from the decision, age of the first pregnancy, economic situation at the unintended pregnancy, and the number of persons consulted at the unintended pregnancy as covariates. Logistic regression analysis was conducted for high distress (K6 ≥ 13) by adjusting the same covariates. A total of 47,401 respondents participated in the study. Women with an experience of unintended pregnancy experienced more than 1 year before the study were analyzed (n = 7162). Psychological distress was the lowest for wanted birth and increased for abortion, adoption, and unwanted birth. In the adjusted model, abortion was associated with lower distress scores than both adoption and unwanted birth. Compared to the wanted birth, adoption and unwanted birth showed significantly higher levels of distress (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.03 [95% CI 1.36-3.04], aOR = 1.64 [95% CI 1.04-2.58], respectively). Long-term effects on psychological distress differed according to the childbirth decisions in unintended pregnancy. Healthcare professionals should be aware of this hidden effect of unintended pregnancy experience on women's mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natsu Sasaki
- Department of Mental Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1Bunkyo-ku, HongoTokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Mari Ikeda
- Department of Family Nursing, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daisuke Nishi
- Department of Mental Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1Bunkyo-ku, HongoTokyo, 113-0033, Japan.
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Community-based intervention improves abortion knowledge and reduces abortion stigma among women in Oromia, Ethiopia: a quasi-experimental mixed methods evaluation. BMC Womens Health 2022; 22:463. [PMID: 36404318 PMCID: PMC9677673 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-022-02054-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since liberalization of the Ethiopian abortion law, there have been significant improvements in the availability and utilization of facility-based abortion services in the country. However, nearly half of abortions still take place outside of health facilities, where the quality of procedures remains unknown. Abortion stigma is one reason that unsafe abortion persists. This study aims to evaluate the effect of community interventions conducted from 2016 to 2019 on the level and manifestation of abortion stigma and knowledge in a community in Oromia region, Ethiopia. METHODS The study is a quasi-experimental mixed methods evaluation including intervention and comparison communities. Two cross-sectional structured household surveys with independent samples, participatory evaluation wheels, and participatory impact diagrams were conducted with women of reproductive age (15-49) living in the communities. The baseline was conducted in 2016 and the endline in 2019. Difference-in-differences analysis was used to estimate the effect of the intervention on abortion knowledge and Stigmatizing Attitudes, Beliefs, and Actions Scale (SABAS) scores in the intervention community. RESULTS One thousand five hundred fifty-five women participated in the household survey and 28 women participated in participatory evaluation meetings. Over one-third (37%) of women surveyed in the intervention community were exposed to the intervention activities. Knowledge of one or more indications of legal abortion increased from 21 to 85% in the intervention community, compared to an increase from 30 to 57% in the comparison. Mean SABAS scores decreased by 9.3 points in the intervention community and increased by 5.3 points in the comparison community. Differences-in-differences models indicate that exposure to the intervention resulted in decreased stigma scores (coefficient = - 9.33, p < 0.001) and increased knowledge (coefficient = 0.26, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS This is one of the first studies to measure changes in community-level abortion stigma and knowledge over time in Ethiopia using a mixed method, quasi-experimental design. The results indicate that the community-based intervention improved abortion knowledge and reduced abortion stigma.
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Sorhaindo A, Rehnstrom Loi U. Interventions to reduce stigma related to contraception and abortion: a scoping review. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e063870. [PMID: 36396313 PMCID: PMC9677031 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-063870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We conducted a scoping review to identify the types, volume and characteristics of available evidence and analyse the gaps in the knowledge base for evaluated interventions to reduce contraception and abortion stigma. DESIGN We conducted a search of five electronic databases to identify articles published between January 2000 and January 2022, and explored the websites of relevant organisations and grey literature databases for unpublished and non-commercial reports. Articles were assessed for eligibility, and data were extracted. DATA SOURCES We searched MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and PsycINFO. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Articles included were: (1) published between January 2000 and January 2022, (2) written in English, (3) reports of the evaluation of an intervention designed to reduce contraceptive and/or abortion stigma, (4) used any type of study design and (5) conducted in any country context. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Included studies were charted according to study location, study aim, study design, type of contraceptive method(s), study population, type of stigma, and intervention approach. RESULTS Some 18 articles were included in the final analysis (11 quantitative, 6 qualitative and 1 mixed methods). Fourteen of the studies focused exclusively on abortion stigma, and two studies focused on contraception stigma only; while two studies considered both. A majority of the studies aimed to address intrapersonal stigma. We found no interventions designed to address stigma at the structural level. In terms of intervention approaches, seven were categorised as education/training/skills building, five as counselling/peer support, three as contact and three as media. CONCLUSION There is a dearth of evaluations of interventions to reduce contraception and abortion stigma. Investment in implementation science is necessary to develop the evidence base and inform the development of effective interventions, and use existing stigma scales to evaluate effectiveness. This scoping review can serve as a precursor to systematic reviews assessing the effectiveness of approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annik Sorhaindo
- UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO-World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, 20 Avenue Appia, 1211 Geneve, Switzerland
| | - Ulrika Rehnstrom Loi
- UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO-World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, 20 Avenue Appia, 1211 Geneve, Switzerland
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Baker MR, Papp LJ, Crawford BL, McClelland SI. Abortion Stigma: Imagined Consequences for People Seeking Abortion Care in the United States. PSYCHOLOGY OF WOMEN QUARTERLY 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/03616843221131544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Prior to and since the 2022 Dobbs decision, U.S. state laws have endorsed individuals surveilling and punishing those associated with abortion care. This practice presents an urgent need to understand the characteristics of abortion stigma, particularly the perspectives of individuals with stigmatizing beliefs. To examine the concept and characteristics of abortion stigma, we interviewed 55 individuals about whether they thought there should be consequences for getting an abortion and, if so, what the consequences should be. Adults from three states (Michigan, Kansas, and Arizona) were purposively sampled to include a range of abortion identities and levels of religious engagement. We used reflexive thematic analysis to code and interpret the data. Participants imagined consequences including financial penalties, incarceration, and forced sterilization. Three themes highlighted how abortion was described as violating the law, women's gender roles, and religious doctrine; accordingly, abortion was imagined as deserving of negative consequences, although abortion was legal in all states during data collection. We argue that these imagined consequences relied on carceral logics and interconnected sexist, racist, and classist stereotypes that reflect and reproduce abortion stigma. This study deepens the understanding of abortion stigma from the perspective of the stigmatizer, underscoring the danger of legislation grounded in stigmatizing beliefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majel R. Baker
- College of Saint Benedict & Saint John's University, St. Joseph, MN, USA
| | - Leanna J. Papp
- Departments of Psychology and Women's & Gender Studies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Brandon L. Crawford
- Department of Applied Health Science, School of Public Health-Bloomington, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Sara I. McClelland
- Departments of Psychology and Women's & Gender Studies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Hinson L, Bhatti AM, Sebany M, Bell SO, Steinhaus M, Twose C, Izugbara C. How, when and where? A systematic review on abortion decision making in legally restricted settings in sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. BMC Womens Health 2022; 22:415. [PMID: 36217197 PMCID: PMC9552475 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-022-01962-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Background With increasing global availability of medication abortion drugs, a safer option exists for many women to terminate a pregnancy even in legally restrictive settings. However, more than 22,000 women die each year from unsafe abortion, most often in developing countries where abortion is highly legally restricted. We conducted a systematic review to compile existing evidence regarding factors that influence women’s abortion-related decision making in countries where abortion is highly legally restricted.
Methods We searched ten databases in two languages (English and Spanish) for relevant literature published between 2000 and 2019 that address women’s decision-making regarding when, where and how to terminate a pregnancy in sub-Saharan African, Latin American and the Caribbean countries where abortion is highly legally restricted.
Results We identified 46 articles that met the review’s inclusion criteria. We found four primary factors that influenced women’s abortion-related decision-making processes: (1) the role of knowledge, including of laws, methods and sources; (2) the role of safety, including medical, legal and social safety; (3) the role of social networks and the internet, and; (4) cost affordability and convenience. Conclusions The choices women make after deciding to terminate a pregnancy are shaped by myriad factors, particularly in contexts where abortion is highly legally restricted. Our review catalogued the predominant influences on these decisions of when, where and how to abort. More research is needed to better understand how these factors work in concert to best meet women’s abortion needs to the full limit of the law and within a harm reduction framework for abortions outside of legal indications. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12905-022-01962-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Hinson
- grid.419324.90000 0004 0508 0388International Center for Research on Women, Washington, DC USA
| | | | | | - Suzanne O. Bell
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD USA
| | | | - Claire Twose
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Welch Medical Library, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Chimaraoke Izugbara
- grid.419324.90000 0004 0508 0388International Center for Research on Women, Washington, DC USA
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50
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Sorhaindo AM, Lavelanet AF. Why does abortion stigma matter? A scoping review and hybrid analysis of qualitative evidence illustrating the role of stigma in the quality of abortion care. Soc Sci Med 2022; 311:115271. [PMID: 36152401 PMCID: PMC9577010 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Abortion stigma shapes the environment in which abortion is delivered and received and can have important implications for quality in abortion care. However, this has not previously been clearly articulated and evidenced. We conducted a scoping review of existing qualitative evidence to characterize the relationship between abortion stigma and quality in abortion care. Using a systematic process, we located 50 qualitative studies to include in our analysis. We applied the interface of the WHO quality of care and abortion stigma frameworks to the qualitative evidence to capture manifestations of the interaction between abortion stigma and quality in abortion care in the existing literature. Four overarching themes linked to abortion stigma emerged: A) abortion as a sin and other religious views; B) regulation of abortion; C) judgement, labelling and marking; and D) shame, denial, and secrecy. We further characterized the emerging ways in which abortion stigma operates to inhibit quality in abortion care into seven manifestations of the relationship between abortion stigma and quality in abortion care: 1) poor treatment and the repercussions, 2) gatekeeping and obstruction of access, 3) avoiding disclosure, 4) arduous and unnecessary requirements, 5) poor infrastructure and lack of resources, 6) punishment and threats and 7) lack of a designated place for abortion services. This evidence complements the abortion stigma-adapted WHO quality of care framework suggested by the International Network for the Reduction of Abortion Discrimination and Stigma (inroads) by illustrating specifically how the postulated stigma-related barriers to quality abortion care occur in practice. Further research should assess these manifestations in the quantitative literature and contribute to the development of quality in abortion care indicators that include measures of abortion stigma, and the development of abortion stigma reduction interventions to improve quality in abortion care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annik Mahalia Sorhaindo
- World Health Organization, Department of Reproductive Health and Research and the UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO-World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), 20 Avenue Appia, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Antonella Francheska Lavelanet
- World Health Organization, Department of Reproductive Health and Research and the UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO-World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), 20 Avenue Appia, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland
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