Kvinnors upplevelser i samband med egenvald abort : Litteraturöversikt

An abortion means that the pregnancy is to be terminated. There are two different types of abortions: medical abortion and surgical abortion. In the world, 73 million abortions are performed each year and the laws on abortion vary widely around the world. It is a discussed topic that is constantly developing and changing. The aim of this study was to explore women’s experiences in connection with self-selected abortion. The methos used was a literature review of eleven qualitative studies from the countries; Kenya, India, Australia, Canada, USA, Turky, Colombia and Scottland. The results were divided into three categories: Psychological impact. physical impact and relationships. Within these three categories, nine subcategories were identified. Women’s experiences in connection with self-selected abortion were individual and varying. Women experienced that their physical and mental health was affected, as well as their relationships to varying extents. The psychological and emotional impact that the women experienced in connection with self-selected abortion appeared frequently in the results. Shame, guilt, psychological suffering and strong emotions are common during the process. Several women emphasized the importance of knowledge, information, support and treatment from healthcare, and had a great importance to how their experience of abortion process turned out. Women who have had an abortion did not just undergo a medical process that affect their physical condition. For the most part, women describe the psychological stress associated with an abortion.