Emotional and psychological impact of abortion: a critique of the literature

Astbury-Ward, Edna

doi:10.1783/147118908784734954

Cited by 12 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 30 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Reticence to disclose has been associated with women's perceptions of stigma which is one aspect of the social disapprobation surrounding abortion. Reticence to disclose has rendered the gathering of evidence about women's experiences of abortion, difficult [14,15].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Stigma, Abortion, and Disclosure—Findings from a Qualitative Study

Astbury-Ward

Parry

Carnwell

2012

The Journal of Sexual Medicine

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Introduction This study qualitatively explores perceptions of women who have experienced abortion care. It explores women’s journey through abortion from confirmation of pregnancy to post-abortion. Aim The study seeks to understand the implications of these perceptions for policy and practice. Main Outcome Measures A qualitative study involving in-depth semi-structured interviews with 17 women, aged between 22 and 57 years, who had undergone legal induced abortion in the UK when they were 16 years or older. Participants were not recruited under the age of 16 because of the ethical and legal complexities of interviewing minors. Additionally, 16 years was deemed to be the most appropriate age as this is the legal age of consent in the UK. Methods Participants were recruited from 12 community contraception and sexual health clinics in two NHS trusts, one in England and one in Wales. Participant recruitment was set at a minimum of 12 and participants were recruited on a “first come first served basis” (i.e., the first 12 who contacted the researcher). The number of participants was raised to seventeen as this was the number deemed to be the most suitable for data saturation in this particular qualitative research. Results Women in this study understood abortion as highly taboo and a potentially personally stigmatizing event. These perceptions continued to affect disclosure to others, long after the abortion, and affected women’s perceptions of the response of others, including society in general, significant others, and health professionals. Conclusion Women’s experiences of abortion may be influenced by perceived negative social attitudes. Health professionals and abortion service providers might combat the perceived isolation of women undergoing abortion by attending not only to clinical/technical aspects of the procedure but also to women’s psychological/emotional sensitivities surrounding the event.

show abstract

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Stigma, Abortion, and Disclosure—Findings from a Qualitative Study

Astbury-Ward

Parry

Carnwell

2012

The Journal of Sexual Medicine

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…18 Guidelines in other jurisdictions state that women should have access to objective information and counselling about their pregnancy options in the case of unwanted pregnancy. 26 While some studies show that women may experience mental health problems following abortion, [27][28][29][30] others have challenged this. 31,32 In any case, support techniques for a more informed choice are needed.…”

Section: Comparison With Existing Literaturementioning

confidence: 99%

Knowledge and attitudes of Irish GPs towards abortion following its legalisation: a cross-sectional study

et al. 2019

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

BackgroundIn May 2018, the Irish Constitution was changed following a referendum allowing termination of pregnancy by abortion. It is envisaged that the majority of terminations will be by medical abortion and will take place in general practice before 12 weeks gestation.AimTo elicit attitudes and level of preparedness of Irish GPs to provide medical abortion services.Design & settingCross-sectional study of 222 GPs who were associated with the University of Limerick Graduate Entry Medical School (GEMS) and GP training programme.MethodAn anonymous online questionnaire was distributed via email. Reminders were sent 2 and 4 weeks later.ResultsThe response rate was 57.2% (n = 127/222). Of the responders, 105 (82.7%) had no training in this area, with only 4 (3.1%) indicating that they had sufficient training. Nearly all responders (n = 119, 93.7%) were willing to share abortion information with patients. Just under half of responders (n = 61, 48.0%) would be willing to prescribe abortion pills, with 47 (37.0%) unwilling to do so. Only 53 (41.7%) responders believed that provision of abortion services should be part of general practice, with 52 (40.9%) saying that it should not. As to whether doctors should be entitled to a conscientious objection but should also be obliged to refer the patient, 92 (72.4%) responders agreed. Over two-thirds of responders (n = 89, 70.1%) felt that necessary patient support services are not currently available.ConclusionThere is a lack of training and a considerable level of unwillingness to participate in this process among Irish GPs. There is also a perceived lack of patient support services for women experiencing unwanted pregnancy. It is incumbent upon state and professional bodies to address these issues.

show abstract

“…• Emotional responses following termination of pregnancy are complex and may change over time 54 • Risk factors for post-termination of pregnancy psychological problems may include: previous or concurrent psychiatric illness, coercion, increasing length of gestation, ambivalence and lack of social support, poor relationships with others or religious affiliation 54 • Adverse psychological sequelae are no more likely following termination than following continuation of the pregnancy…”

Section: Psychological Sequelaementioning

confidence: 99%