Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 25, 2026
14:43
A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting
Published on: January 12, 2018
Stigma, abortion, and disclosure--findings from a qualitative study
Edna Astbury-Ward1, Odette Parry, Ros Carnwell
1Glyndŵr University, Department of Nursing, Wrexham, UK. e.astburyward@glyndwr.ac.uk
The Journal of Sexual Medicine
|January 14, 2012
Summary
Women undergoing abortion care perceive it as taboo and stigmatizing, impacting their social interactions and self-perception long after the procedure. Addressing emotional needs alongside clinical care is crucial for support.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Qualitative Research
- Sociology of Health
Background:
- This qualitative study explores women's perceptions and experiences of abortion care.
- It examines the journey from pregnancy confirmation through post-abortion.
- Understanding these experiences is vital for improving healthcare policy and practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To qualitatively explore women's perceptions of abortion care.
- To understand the implications of these perceptions for policy and practice.
Main Methods:
- In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 women aged 22-57.
- Participants had undergone legal induced abortion in the UK, recruited from sexual health clinics.
- Recruitment focused on adults (16+) due to ethical and legal considerations.
Main Results:
- Women perceived abortion as a highly taboo and stigmatizing event.
- These perceptions influenced disclosure and affected views of societal and professional responses.
- Stigma persisted long after the abortion, impacting social interactions.
Conclusions:
- Perceived negative social attitudes significantly influence women's abortion experiences.
- Healthcare providers should address psychological and emotional sensitivities, not just clinical aspects.
- Combating perceived isolation requires a holistic approach to abortion care.
Related Concept Videos
01:56Ethics in Research
Today, scientists agree that good research is ethical in nature and is guided by a basic respect for human dignity and safety. However, this has not always been the case. Modern researchers must demonstrate that the research they perform is ethically sound.
01:10Zygotic Development And Stem Cell Formation
The development of all multicellular organisms starts with the fusion of haploid cells called sperm and egg to form a diploid zygote. A zygote is a totipotent cell that can develop into a complete organism. The zygote undergoes cell division or cleavage to form an 8-cell mass. Until this stage, the cells are spherical, loosely attached, and remain totipotent. Totipotent cells are capable of developing both the embryonic and the extraembryonic tissues. However, as they continue to divide, they...
00:58Embryonic Stem Cells
Embryonic stem (ES) cells are undifferentiated pluripotent cells, meaning they can produce any cell type in the body. This gives them tremendous potential in science and medicine since they can generate specific cell types for use in research or to replace body cells lost due to damage or disease.
00:57Embryonic Stem Cells
Embryonic stem (ES) cells were first discovered in mice in 1981 by Martin Evans. In 1998, James Thomson identified a method to isolate embryonic stem cells from humans. Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are obtained from 3-5 day old embryos that remain unused after an in vitro fertilization procedure.
ES cells are grown in a culture medium where they can divide indefinitely, creating ES cell lines. Under certain conditions, ES cells can differentiate, either spontaneously into a variety of...
ES cells are grown in a culture medium where they can divide indefinitely, creating ES cell lines. Under certain conditions, ES cells can differentiate, either spontaneously into a variety of...