Stigma attached to abortion in Türkiye among adults: A cross-sectional study

Abortion stigma varies across sociocultural contexts and is shaped by factors such as education, socioeconomic status, religious beliefs, and gender norms. Data were collected through face-to-face surveys with 384 adults (aged 18-65) attending family health centers in three central districts of a metropolitan city in Türkiye. Inclusion criteria were being between 18 and 65 years old and providing informed consent. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that included the abortion stigma scale and sociodemographic variables. Parametric tests (t-tests, ANOVA, and chi-square tests) were applied to examine group differences and associations. Findings indicate that abortion stigma was higher among individuals with lower levels of education and socioeconomic status, as well as those from conservative or religious backgrounds. Additionally, participants with more children reported higher levels of stigma. These results highlight the importance of accessible reproductive health services and implementing educational efforts to reduce stigma, particularly in conservative settings.