Volume 48, Issue 4
December 2016
|
Pages 169 - 177

Abortion Stigma: A Systematic Review
Franz Hanschmidt, University of Leipzig Katja Linde, University of Leipzig Anja Hilbert, University of Leipzig Steffi G. Riedel-Heller, University of Leipzig Anette Kersting, University of Leipzig

First published online:

| DOI: https://doi.org/10.1363/48e8516
CONTEXT

Although stigma has been identified as a potential risk factor for the well-being of women who have had abortions, little attention has been paid to the study of abortion-related stigma.

METHODS

A systematic search of the databases Medline, PsycArticles, PsycInfo, PubMed and Web of Science was conducted; the search terms were “(abortion OR pregnancy termination) AND stigma*.” Articles were eligible for inclusion if the main research question addressed experiences of individuals subjected to abortion stigma, public attitudes that stigmatize women who have had abortions or interventions aimed at managing abortion stigma. To provide a comprehensive overview of this issue, any study published by February 2015 was considered. The search was restricted to English- and German-language studies.

RESULTS

Seven quantitative and seven qualitative studies were eligible for inclusion. All but two dated from 2009 or later; the earliest was from 1984. Studies were based mainly on U.S. samples; some included participants from Ghana, Great Britain, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru and Zambia. The majority of studies showed that women who have had abortions experience fear of social judgment, self-judgment and a need for secrecy. Secrecy was associated with increased psychological distress and social isolation. Some studies found stigmatizing attitudes in the public. Stigma appeared to be salient in abortion providers’ lives. Evidence of interventions to reduce abortion stigma was scarce. Most studies had limitations regarding generalizability and validity.

CONCLUSION

More research, using validated measures, is needed to enhance understanding of abortion stigma and thereby reduce its impact on affected individuals.

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1363/48e8516/abstract

Author's Affiliations

Franz Hanschmidt is assistant research scientists, Department of Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig, Germany. Katja Linde is assistant research scientists, Department of Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig, Germany. Anja Hilbert is professor of behavioral medicine, Integrated Research and Treatment Center Adiposity Diseases, and Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University of Leipzig, Germany. Steffi G. Riedel-Heller is full professor and director, Institute of Social Medicine, Occupational Health and Public Health, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Germany. Anette Kersting is full professor and chair, Department of Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig, Germany.

Disclaimer

The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the Guttmacher Institute.
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