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Exploring the reasons behind induced abortion among Iranian couples: a qualitative study
Zari Dolatabadi1, Farnaz Farnam2, Maryam Moridi3
1Department of Reproductive Health and Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
BMJ Open
|August 4, 2026
Summary
Couples in Iran seek induced abortion due to economic hardship, relationship issues, and social pressures, not just restrictive laws. Addressing these factors is key to understanding reproductive health decisions.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Sociology
- Public Health
Background:
- Induced abortion is a significant reproductive health issue in Iran.
- Complex socio-economic, cultural, and legal factors shape abortion access.
- Limited evidence exists on motivations for abortion under restrictive laws and pronatalist policies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the underlying reasons for couples seeking induced abortion in Iran.
- To understand decision-making within the current legal framework.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative interview study co-designed with couples.
- Semi-structured interviews with 32 adults (18 women, 14 male partners).
- Content analysis approach with iterative data collection until thematic saturation.
Main Results:
- Decisions influenced by interconnected factors: economic pressures (job instability, childbearing costs), relationship concerns (lack of support, marital instability).
- Social norms, pregnancy-related fears (past trauma, health concerns), and social uncertainty about children's futures also played roles.
- Perceived inadequacy of government support contributed to decisions against continuing pregnancies.
Conclusions:
- Couples' abortion decisions result from complex interactions of economic, relational, cultural, and structural factors.
- Pronatalist policies ignoring these factors are unlikely to reduce abortion rates.
- Comprehensive interventions addressing socioeconomic insecurities, relationship support, and reproductive health services are needed, respecting autonomy.
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