Intersection between access difficulties and obstetric violence in abortion itineraries

• Published in: Ciência & saude coletiva Vol. 29; no. 9; p. e04552023
• Main Authors: Fonseca, Jamile Guerra, Coelho, Edméia de Almeida Cardoso, Rodrigues, Larissa Silva de Abreu, Silva, Joise Magarão Queiroz, Evangelista, Railene Pires, Melo, Aline Célia Caribé de Araújo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English; Portuguese
• Published: Brazil 01-09-2024
• Subjects: Abortion, Induced - statistics & numerical data; Adult; Brazil; Female; Health Services Accessibility; Human Rights; Humans; Interviews as Topic; Patient Acceptance of Health Care - statistics & numerical data; Poverty; Pregnancy; Public Policy; Reproductive Rights; Violence - statistics & numerical data; Young Adult; Brazil
• ISSN: 1678-4561; 1678-4561
• DOI: 10.1590/1413-81232024299.04552023

In Brazil, several limitations are imposed upon the access of women undergoing abortion to the healthcare network, primarily caused by the influence of moral and religious values and gender iniquities. In this light, the present study aimed to analyze the experience of women who had an abortion regarding the care provided by healthcare services as part of the abortion itinerary. This is a qualitative study, carried out with 18 women in three cities - one small city, one mid-sized, and one big - in the state of Bahia. Data were produced by face-to-face or online interviews. The empirical material was analyzed using the discourse analysis technique. The results show, in the three municipalities, abortion itineraries under social and gender iniquities, with greater access difficulties for low-income women. Better financial conditions allow access to clandestine private clinics but without guaranteeing humanized care. In the three municipalities, economically disadvantaged women self-induced abortions and delayed seeking services, having faced embarrassing and prejudicial professional attitudes. The results point to the urgency of implementing public policies in which reproductive rights are as effective as human rights.