Swedish Young Men's Lived Experiences of a Girlfriend's Early Induced Abortion

Complex journeys of adolescents after induced abortion: A qualitative systematic review

PROBLEM

Adolescents face unique challenges in accessing sexual healthcare, particularly regarding induced abortion experiences. Prior research, often quantitative or biased towards young adults, overlooks this. This review aims to address adolescents' specific post-abortion experiences to inform comprehensive reproductive healthcare needs.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Qualitative and mixed-methods studies exploring the experiences of adolescents following induced abortion were included. Studies reporting these experiences from third-person perspectives were excluded.

SAMPLE

Five electronic databases (CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Embase) were searched from the databases' inception through March 2024. Of the 2834 articles retrieved, 45 studies were included in this review.

RESULTS

Using a meta-synthesis approach combining Sandelowski & Barroso's qualitative metasummary with Braun & Clarke's thematic analysis, three main themes emerged: Post-abortion experiences and emotions, Social dynamics and support, and Life post-abortion and future perspectives.

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescents who underwent abortion faced physical and emotional challenges, adopted various coping strategies, and had mixed experiences with social support and healthcare providers. To address these challenges, the provision of comprehensive reproductive health information, access to safe and legal abortion options, and support for their physical, social, and emotional well-being is necessary. Healthcare providers must ensure that adolescents are equipped with necessary skills to navigate their reproductive health journeys with informed choices and confidence.

IMPLICATIONS

Future research exploring adolescents' experiences, considering cultural beliefs, involving multiple stakeholders, and conducting longitudinal studies, is warranted. Healthcare providers should implement practice changes, including providing accurate information, offering tailored mental health support, and undergoing adolescent-friendly training, to enhance care for adolescents.

Men’s Perceptions Concerning Disclosure of a Partner’s Abortion: Implications for Counseling

Utilizing an online survey, adult male partners of women who underwent induced abortion were queried concerning the men’s disclosure of the experience to others. Responses were obtained from 101 men who identified positive and negative aspects related to their disclosure. Positive aspects included: relief, spiritual benefits, support, acceptance, empathy, forgiveness, helping others, acknowledgment of child, and increased understanding. Negative aspects included: lack of empathy, pain of facing reality, lack of resolution, and condemnation. For this group of men, disclosure was perceived positively more often than negatively. Implications for counseling are discussed.