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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Allison Bingham, PhD¹, Mahesh Puri², Lorelei Goodyear, MPH¹, Anand Tamang², and Jyotsna Tamang². (1) PATH, 1455 NW Leary Way, Seattle, WA 98107, 206-285-3500, abingha@path.org, (2) Center for Research on Environment, Health and Population Activities (CREHPA), PO. Box 9626, Kathmandu, Nepal

Reproductive health programs now recognize men as “important actors” who directly and indirectly influence reproductive health outcomes. Understanding the role men play and how that role changes throughout a man's life cycle is important to public health policy and programming. The extent of men's involvement in abortion decision-making in particular remains relatively unexplored. Because men have a significant influence on women's sexual health, male partners can play an important role in determining women's ability to access safe abortion services. Qualitative and quantitative research carried out by PATH and the Center for Research on Environment Health and Population Activities (CREHPA) examined men's role in pregnancy decision-making and determining pregnancy outcomes. In addition, the study explored their information needs and the effect men have on women's access to abortion information and services in Nepal, where abortion has been recently legalized. The study also investigated the life cycle factors that affect men's perspectives about and decisions related to pregnancy options. The research results will inform the development of strategies for working with health providers and community outreach groups to better provide women and men with information and services. This investigation also contributes to the growing understanding and practical application of how male partners influence the abortion decision-making process and women's access to safe abortion care in settings where abortion has been recently legalized.

Learning Objectives: