Spiritual determinants of abortion stigma: the role of socio-cultural and demographic variables in women’s attitudes toward voluntary abortion

Abortion must be evaluated not only in medical terms, but also in terms of its socio-cultural, religious, and psychological dimensions. This study aims to examine women's attitudes toward voluntary abortion in Turkey, their stigmatizing attitudes, and the relationship between these attitudes and their spiritual well-being. A descriptive study design was used. Study data were collected between September 2024 and April 2025 at a hospital in eastern Turkey. The study was completed with 1,240 women. Data collection tools included a Personal Information Form, the Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWBS), and the Stigmatizing Attitudes, Beliefs, and Actions Scale Toward Abortion (SABAS). Statistically significant differences were found in the SABAS scale according to variables such as educational status, woking status, place of residence, family type, income status, marital status, and presence of children (p<0.001). A statistically significant, positive, and high correlation was determined between the SWBS scale and the SABAS scale (r = 0.523, p<0.001). Additionally, women reported experiencing the most guilt/anger, feelings of having sinned, regret/sadness, and anxiety during and immediately after the decision to undergo an abortion. Abortion should be addressed not only as a medical intervention but also as a human rights issue with cultural and spiritual dimensions. In this context, while developing reproductive health policies, a balanced approach should be adopted between women's individual autonomy and the cultural and religious sensitivities of society; inclusive and rights-based health services that provide women with both physical and mental support should be provided.