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Daniel Grossman, MD, FACOG, Reproductive Health Program, Population Council, Panzacola 62-102, Col. Villa Coyoacán, Mexico, Mexico, 52-55-5999-8630, dgrossman@popcouncil.org.mx, Maria Mercedes Lafaurie, Ps, Independent consultant, Calle 12 no. 2-32 apto 102, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia, Susana Chavez, MPH, Programa Derechos Sexuales y Ciudadanía en Salud, Centro de la Mujer Peruana Flora Tristán, Parque Hernan Velarde Nº 42 Lima 1, Lima, Peru, and Deborah L. Billings, PhD, Research and Evaluation, Ipas Mexico, Pachuca 92, Colonia Condesa, Mexico City, 06140, Mexico.
Background: Abortion is highly restricted in Latin America, and unsafe abortion, which contributes significantly to maternal mortality, is one of the most serious public health problems facing the region. Little research has focused on women who have used medical abortion in Latin America, despite growing evidence that women are increasingly turning toward medical alternatives. Purpose: To understand in a qualitative manner the perceptions and values women attribute to their experience with medical abortion. Methods: We conducted in-depth interviews with 40 women who had undergone misoprostol-alone medical abortion in Mexico, Colombia, Peru and Ecuador. When the medication failed, women underwent aspiration abortion as well. Two researchers independently read transcripts of each interview and identified themes and rare points of view. We assigned codes to these themes and tallied the frequency of selected concepts related to specific questions. Results: We obtained information about each woman’s decision to obtain a medical abortion, fears and concerns about the method before starting the procedure, her experience with the method, and her feelings about it afterward. Most women chose medical over aspiration abortion because they saw the former as less invasive with fewer health risks. Women’s experiences were varied, and those whose procedure was successful were generally more positive about their experience. Conclusions: Despite difficulties in obtaining the procedure and the medication’s side effects, women in Latin America see medical abortion as a welcome alternative to aspiration abortion.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Abortion, International Reproductive Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.