Women's perspectives on abortion in Romania

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Sociology
• Public Health Policy

Background:

• Abortion has been a common method for birth control among Romanian women, encompassing both legal and clandestine procedures.
• Historical context of abortion in Romania, including the impact of restrictive policies under the Ceauşescu regime, is crucial for understanding current reproductive health landscapes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze Romanian women's decisions regarding abortion.
• To assess the effects of past abortion restrictions on women's reproductive choices and health.
• To identify women's and gynaecologists' needs for improved reproductive and family-planning services.

Main Methods:

• Combines quantitative data from a prior report with qualitative insights from women's personal accounts.
• Includes perspectives from gynaecologists on abortion restrictions and family planning.

Main Results:

• Women's narratives reveal complex decision-making processes surrounding abortion.
• Past government restrictions significantly impacted women's reproductive autonomy and access to care.
• Both women and healthcare providers expressed a clear need for enhanced, accessible family-planning and reproductive health services.

Conclusions:

• There is a compelling need for safe, legal, and comprehensive abortion care in Romania.
• Addressing the identified needs is essential for improving women's reproductive health outcomes.
• The findings underscore the importance of evidence-based reproductive health policies.