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Knowledge and perceptions of medical abortion among potential users
S M Harvey1, L J Beckman, M A Castle
1University of Oregon, Eugene, USA.
Family Planning Perspectives
|September 1, 1995
Summary
Most young women have heard of medical abortion but lack understanding. They perceive benefits like fewer complications but have concerns about the process and accessibility.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Medical Abortion Technologies
Background:
- Medical abortion is an emerging alternative to surgical abortion.
- Understanding women's perceptions is crucial for adoption and effective counseling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore awareness and perceptions of medical abortion among women aged 18-34.
- To identify perceived advantages and disadvantages of medical abortion compared to surgical methods.
Main Methods:
- Focus group discussions were conducted with 73 women aged 18-34 in three cities.
- Participants discussed awareness, understanding, and opinions regarding medical abortion.
Main Results:
- Two-thirds of participants had heard of medical abortion, but few understood it accurately.
- Perceived advantages included fewer complications, no surgery, naturalness, and earlier use.
- Disadvantages cited were multiple visits, unknown aspects of expulsion, and concerns about ease of access.
Conclusions:
- Awareness of medical abortion is growing, but accurate understanding is limited.
- Addressing women's concerns and providing clear information is essential for informed decision-making.
- A significant proportion of women would consider medical abortion if available.
Keywords:
Abortion Surveys--womenAbortion, Drug InducedAbortion, InducedAmericasAttitudeBehaviorBiologyData CollectionDeveloped CountriesEndocrine SystemFamily PlanningFertility Control, PostconceptionFocus Groups--womenHormone AntagonistsHormonesKnowledgeNorth AmericaNorthern AmericaPhysiologyPsychological FactorsResearch MethodologyRu-486--beneficial effectsRu-486--side effectsUnited States