Aborted Women's Feelings and Experiences with Abortion: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to reveal the feelings and experiences of women who had abortions based on their own experiences.

Method: The qualitatively designed study was conducted with 11 women who applied to a Training and Research Hospital in Istanbul for abortion and met the inclusion criteria. The data were collected by the researchers with an 11-question participant information form and a semistructured interview form consisting of five questions.

Results: The themes obtained from the research were determined as "The meaning of abortion", "The meaning attributed to the abortion decision", "Family and social support", "Community attitude" and "Attitude of healthcare professionals".

Conclusion: Women who have had abortions are influenced by the perspective of society, religious values, and the approach of health professionals. There is a need to develop procedures that will positively affect women's abortion experiences.