Exploring Somali-born women's experiences with contraceptive services in Sweden through a reproductive justice lens

Anna Wängborg1, Marie Klingberg-Allvin2, Sahra Saidarab3

  • 1PhD student, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.

Timely and equitable access to contraceptive services is a key component of sexual and reproductive health and rights. Evidence shows that immigrant women in high-income countries often receive inadequate contraceptive counselling. There is also limited knowledge about how contraceptive services can best be organised within health systems to meet their needs. In Sweden, the Somali population is one of the country's largest immigrant groups, facing a higher risk of adverse pregnancy and childbirth outcomes compared to Swedish-born women. This study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of Somali-born women's perceptions of and experiences with contraceptive services in Sweden. Eight focus group discussions were conducted, with a Somali-speaking moderator, and data were analysed using Braun and Clarke's reflexive thematic approach. All participants (N = 60) were Somali immigrants who had given birth in Sweden. Two main themes were constructed: (1) Factors shaping reproductive choices: community, household, and partner influences, and (2) Women's perspectives on contraceptive services. The findings suggest opportunities to advance reproductive justice in contraceptive services in Sweden. Incorporating women's preferences and needs is essential to establishing person-centred contraceptive services, aligning with Sweden's health system priorities. Services must adapt to and reflect clients' experiences to avoid being shaped by preconceived notions and intersecting power dynamics. Our findings have implications for moving towards reproductive justice in the delivery of sexual and reproductive health services.

Related Concept Videos

Birth Control Methods01:22

Birth Control Methods

Vasectomy is a surgical form of male sterilization that involves severing and sealing the vasa deferentia, preventing sperm from mixing with semen during ejaculation. Because a vasectomy does not impact the testes' ability to produce testosterone, hormone levels, libido, and sexual function generally remain unchanged. While vasectomy is highly effective in preventing pregnancy, with a success rate near 99.85%, rare cases of recanalization (spontaneous reconnection) can occur. Although vasectomy...
Intrauterine Drug Delivery Systems01:21

Intrauterine Drug Delivery Systems

Controlled-release systems for intravaginal and intrauterine drug delivery have been developed primarily for the administration of contraceptive steroid hormones. These delivery routes circumvent first-pass hepatic metabolism, thereby enhancing bioavailability and allowing for reduced systemic dosages compared to oral administration. Such approaches contribute to improved therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance, particularly in long-term contraceptive regimens.Intravaginal Drug Delivery...
Primary Healthcare Services01:30

Primary Healthcare Services

Primary care promotes wellness and prevents disease. This care includes health promotion, education, protection (such as immunizations), early disease screening, and environmental considerations. Settings providing this type of healthcare include physician offices, public health clinics, school nursing, and community health nursing.
In 1978, international leaders convened in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, for what would be a pivotal event in global health. The Alma-Ata Declaration was the first to call...
Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle01:22

Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle

The ovarian cycle regulates endometrial changes throughout a single menstrual cycle via the coordinated action of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotrophins.
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.
Infertility in Females01:28

Infertility in Females

Female infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after a year of regular, unprotected intercourse and affects about 10–15% of couples worldwide. The primary cause of female infertility is ovulatory disorders, which hinder the release of eggs. These disorders can be classified as hypothalamic amenorrhea, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian failure, and hyperprolactinemic anovulation disorders.
Endometriosis, a condition characterized by abnormal growth of endometrial...
Disorders of the Female Reproductive System01:24

Disorders of the Female Reproductive System

The female reproductive system can be affected by several disorders, including Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), endometriosis, and various forms of cancer. PMS and PMDD are cyclical conditions that cause physical and emotional distress, with symptoms that include edema, mood swings, and food cravings. PMDD is a more severe form of PMS characterized by increased symptom severity that peaks during the luteal phase and tends to improve or resolve shortly after...