Gender differences in attitudes towards abortion: a cross-sectional study from Türkiye

Attitudes toward induced abortion are shaped by sociocultural and religious factors, gender-related constructs, and prevailing health policies. This study aims to explore gender-based differences in attitudes toward abortion among Turkish college students and to examine associated factors, including religiosity, regional background, academic field, and health literacy. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in May 2022 using an online, anonymous questionnaire completed by 326 university students across seven geographic regions of Türkiye. Participants completed the Turkish versions of the Abortion Attitude Scale (AAS) and the Health Literacy Scale for Young Adults (HLS). Statistical analysis was conducted using non-parametric tests due to non-normal data distribution. Approximately 76% of participants expressed either moderate or strong pro-abortion attitudes. Female students (81%) and non-binary students (100%) were significantly more likely than male students (67.2%) to support abortion (p < 0.05). While no significant association was found between abortion attitudes and health literacy, notable associations emerged with religiosity (p < 0.001) and longest-lived region (p = 0.014). Support for abortion was higher among female than male students across all scenarios, including public insurance coverage, and varied by academic discipline, with the strongest support among law and arts students. Abortion attitudes among Turkish university students varied by gender and sociocultural factors, highlighting ethical tensions related to reproductive autonomy and the need for education and justice-oriented policy reforms.