Choice and Circumstance-Exploring Abortion Journeys of Women in India: A Qualitative Analysis of the Experiences of Provider-Supported and Self-Managed Medical Abortion

Samina Parveen, Ipas Development Foundation
Misimi Kakoti, Independent Consultant
Sushanta Banerjee, Ipas Development Foundation
Tamara Fetters, Ipas
Bia Galli, Ipas

This study provides a nuanced comparison of the experiences of women in India who undergo self-managed medical abortions (SMMA) and provider-managed medical abortions (PMMA), drawn from retrospective interviews with 43 women. Participants from both the cohorts demonstrated strong agency, with key factors influencing their decision to abort being financial constraints, completion of family size, health concerns, and abusive relationships. Women opting for PMMA emphasized safety, viewing medical supervision as a safeguard against complications. In contrast, SMMA participants prioritized privacy and autonomy, often driven by fears of stigma, coercion, and lack of awareness of alternative abortion methods. Both groups relied on social networks for information, yet discrepancies in the accuracy of drug protocols from doctors and pharmacists were common. Physically and emotionally, women in both groups experienced similar symptoms, such as abdominal pain, fatigue, guilt, and sadness. Social support was critical, with PMMA participants leaning on female relatives, while SMMA participants relied more on their husbands. Despite differing methods, most women in both groups completed their abortions safely, primarily confirmed through self-assessment. The findings suggest that, despite varied approaches, the overall experiences had more similarities than differences, highlighting the need for programs that enhance women’s abortion experiences across contexts.

Keywords: Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Qualitative data/methods/approaches

See extended abstract.