Chelsey E Brack1, Roger W Rochat2, Oscar A Bernal3. 1. Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA, chelseybrack@gmail.com. 2. professor, Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University. 3. director, Master in Public Health program, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia.
Abstract
CONTEXT: In 2006, the Colombian Constitutional Court issued a decision largely decriminalizing abortion; however, illegal abortion persists. Understanding the barriers that cause women to resort to unsafe, illegal abortions could help improve access to legal services. METHODS: In-depth interviews were conducted in 2014 with 17 women aged 18 or older who had had legal abortions in the past year in Bogotá, Colombia, to identify barriers to abortion access and elucidate the ways in which these barriers affect women's decision making regarding abortion. Interview transcripts were coded and analyzed using standard techniques to find patterns, parallels and differences; a phenomenological approach guided the thematic analysis. RESULTS: Barriers related to knowledge and information, along with logistic, emotional, financial, cultural and religious barriers culminated in delays in obtaining comprehensive abortion services. Religion influenced social stigma, which manifested most powerfully in the obstructive behavior of health care providers and health insurance companies. Lack of understanding of current laws on abortion and conscientious objection was evident on the part of patients, health care providers and insurers. CONCLUSION: Dissemination of accurate information regarding the availability of clinical and legal abortion is needed. Better training may help physicians, nurses and insurance company personnel understand their roles and legal responsibilities in abortion care and reduce delays in women's access to services.
CONTEXT: In 2006, the Colombian Constitutional Court issued a decision largely decriminalizing abortion; however, illegal abortion persists. Understanding the barriers that cause women to resort to unsafe, illegal abortions could help improve access to legal services. METHODS: In-depth interviews were conducted in 2014 with 17 women aged 18 or older who had had legal abortions in the past year in Bogotá, Colombia, to identify barriers to abortion access and elucidate the ways in which these barriers affect women's decision making regarding abortion. Interview transcripts were coded and analyzed using standard techniques to find patterns, parallels and differences; a phenomenological approach guided the thematic analysis. RESULTS: Barriers related to knowledge and information, along with logistic, emotional, financial, cultural and religious barriers culminated in delays in obtaining comprehensive abortion services. Religion influenced social stigma, which manifested most powerfully in the obstructive behavior of health care providers and health insurance companies. Lack of understanding of current laws on abortion and conscientious objection was evident on the part of patients, health care providers and insurers. CONCLUSION: Dissemination of accurate information regarding the availability of clinical and legal abortion is needed. Better training may help physicians, nurses and insurance company personnel understand their roles and legal responsibilities in abortion care and reduce delays in women's access to services.
Authors: Brittany Moore; Cheri Poss; Ernestina Coast; Samantha R Lattof; Yana van der Meulen Rodgers Journal: PLoS One Date: 2021-02-18 Impact factor: 3.240
Authors: Laura Hinson; Anam M Bhatti; Meroji Sebany; Suzanne O Bell; Mara Steinhaus; Claire Twose; Chimaraoke Izugbara Journal: BMC Womens Health Date: 2022-10-10 Impact factor: 2.742
Authors: Ernestina Coast; Samantha R Lattof; Yana van der Meulen Rodgers; Brittany Moore; Cheri Poss Journal: PLoS One Date: 2021-06-09 Impact factor: 3.240