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Privacy, temporal flexibility and connection: how online spaces shape abortion support
Rachel Victoria Wilson-Lowe1, Carrie Purcell2, Ruth Lewis3
1Healthcare Improvement Scotland, NHS Scotland, Glasgow, UK ruth.lewis@glasgow.ac.uk rachel.wilson-lowe@nhs.scot.
BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health
|July 24, 2026
Summary
Online spaces offer flexible, stigma-sensitive abortion support. Integrating these platforms into care pathways can reduce isolation and meet social needs for individuals seeking abortion information and community.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Digital Health
- Sociology of Health
Background:
- Online platforms are increasingly utilized for sexual and reproductive healthcare support, offering anonymity and flexibility.
- Limited research exists on the specific use of informal online spaces for abortion support.
- This study addresses the role of online forums and social media in providing abortion support amidst digitalized healthcare, stigma, and service constraints.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the offerings of informal online spaces for individuals seeking abortion support.
- To understand how digital environments meet the needs of those navigating abortion care.
Main Methods:
- Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 women (aged 20-54) in Scotland who had sought abortion support online.
- Participants were recruited via social media and online advertisements.
- Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.
Main Results:
- Privacy and anonymity were key factors in participants' choice of online spaces for abortion support.
- Temporal flexibility allowed individuals to access support asynchronously, even from older posts.
- Connection with others who had experienced abortion provided meaningful support with low social cost, through both active engagement and passive browsing.
Conclusions:
- Informal online spaces offer valuable, flexible, and stigma-sensitive abortion-affirming support.
- Healthcare providers should consider integrating trusted online resources into care pathways.
- Addressing unmet social support needs and reducing isolation are potential benefits of online integration.
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