Stigma in abortion care: application to a grounded theory study

Area of Science:

• Medical Ethics
• Sociology of Healthcare
• Nursing Practice

Background:

• Medical abortion care presents unique challenges for healthcare professionals.
• Societal stigma surrounding abortion can impact the well-being of both patients and providers.
• Goffman's stigma theory offers a framework for understanding these challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To apply stigma theory to the experiences of nurses involved in medical abortion.
• To explore the concept of affiliate stigma experienced by nurses in abortion care.
• To propose strategies for mitigating the impact of stigma on nurses.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative research study utilizing in-depth interviews or focus groups.
• Application of Erving Goffman's stigma theory.
• Analysis of nurses' experiences and perceptions of stigma in abortion care.

Main Results:

• Nurses involved in medical abortion face significant professional demands.
• Affiliate stigma is experienced by nurses due to their association with abortion procedures.
• Patients seeking abortion services also experience societal stigma.

Conclusions:

• Stigma significantly impacts nurses providing abortion care, increasing professional demands.
• Addressing stigma requires a multi-level approach, including policy, organizational, and personal interventions.
• Strategies from other clinical areas may be adapted to ameliorate stigma in abortion care settings.