Clarifying values and transforming attitudes to improve access to second trimester abortion

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Reproductive Health
• Social Science

Background:

• Access to safe second trimester abortion services remains a global challenge, often persisting despite supportive legal frameworks.
• Barriers include misinformation, stigma surrounding abortion, and negative attitudes among healthcare providers and the public.
• Second trimester abortions face heightened stigma compared to first trimester procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of values clarification workshops in improving access to safe second trimester abortion care.
• To explore strategies for transforming attitudes and behaviors related to abortion.
• To identify recommendations for integrating values clarification into reproductive health programs.

Main Methods:

• Conducted values clarification workshops engaging diverse stakeholders including healthcare providers, administrators, policymakers, and community members.
• Focused on self-examination to foster supportive attitudes towards women seeking abortions.
• Documented experiences and outcomes from workshops in Vietnam, Nepal, and South Africa.

Main Results:

• Workshops demonstrated promise in addressing misinformation and stigma related to abortion.
• Interventions facilitated a shift towards more supportive attitudes and behaviors concerning abortion access.
• Positive experiences were reported from implementation in Vietnam, Nepal, and South Africa.

Conclusions:

• Values clarification workshops are a valuable tool for overcoming barriers to safe abortion care, particularly for second trimester procedures.
• Integrating values clarification into abortion training, service delivery, and advocacy programs is recommended.
• Further research, including evaluations of such interventions, is necessary to optimize their impact.