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Existential experiences and needs related to induced abortion in a group of Swedish women: a quantitative
Maria Liljas Stålhandske1, Marlene Makenzius, Tanja Tydén
1Uppsala University, Department of Theology, Uppsala Religion and Society Research Centre, Sweden. maria.liljas@crs.uu.se
Objective:
To investigate the prevalence of existential experiences and needs among women who have requested an induced abortion.
Methods:
A questionnaire was used to collect information from 499 women who had requested an induced abortion. A principle component analysis resulted in three components of existential experiences and needs: existential thoughts, existential practices, and humanisation of the foetus. These components were analysed in relation to background data and other data from the questionnaire.
Results:
Existential experiences and needs were common. For 61% of women existential thoughts about life and death, meaning and morality were related to the abortion experience. Almost 50% of women reported a need for special acts in relation to the abortion; 67% of women thought of the pregnancy in terms of a child. A higher presence of existential components correlated to difficulty in making the abortion decision and poor psychological wellbeing after the abortion.
Conclusion:
Women's experiences of abortion can include existential thoughts about life, death, meaning and morality, feelings of attachment to the foetus, and the need for symbolic expression. This presents a challenge for abortion personnel, as the situation involves complex aspects over and above medical procedures and routines.
