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Women's attitudes to safe-induced abortion in Iran: findings from a pilot survey
Citation
Aghakhani, N and Cleary, M and Zarei, A and Lopez, V, Women's attitudes to safe-induced abortion in Iran: findings from a pilot survey, Journal of Advanced Nursing, 74, (1) pp. 61-64. ISSN 0309-2402 (2018) [Refereed Article]
Copyright Statement
© 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Abstract
Aim: To explore attitudes to safe-induced abortion among pregnant women in Iran.
Background: In Islamic teachings, abortion is generally forbidden. However in specific circumstances, abortion may be permitted and currently, in Iran, the law allows termination of pregnancy only if three specialist physicians confirm that the pregnancy outcome may be harmful for the mother during pregnancy or after birth.
Design: Pilot, descriptive survey.
Methods: A 15-item structured questionnaire focusing on attitudes to safe-induced abortion was developed and pilot tested. Participants were pregnant women who were referred to the Legal Medical Centre (July–December 2015) to obtain permission for abortion. On obtaining their informed consent, the women were asked to respond to each item if they agreed (Yes) or disagreed (No). Only their age, education, employment, marital status and religion were obtained.
Results: Of the 80 survey participants referred for a safe-induced abortion, 90% were carrying foetuses with a diagnosed congenital malformation and 10% were experiencing complications of pregnancy that endangered their health. The majority of women (85%) perceived abortion to be dangerous to health; 86% indicated that partners should be involved in decision-making about abortion, while 83% believed that public health officials should have complete control of abortion law.
Conclusions: There is a need to improve women’s and couples’ awareness and practice of effective contraceptive methods. Further research is needed to better understand the complex issues that lead to unintended pregnancies and abortions considering religious beliefs and cultural and legal contexts.
Item Details
Item Type: | Refereed Article |
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Keywords: | abortion, contraception, family planning, induced abortion, legislation, women, nursing, pregnancy, survey |
Research Division: | Health Sciences |
Research Group: | Health services and systems |
Research Field: | Mental health services |
Objective Division: | Health |
Objective Group: | Public health (excl. specific population health) |
Objective Field: | Mental health |
UTAS Author: | Cleary, M (Professor Michelle Cleary) |
ID Code: | 123223 |
Year Published: | 2018 |
Web of Science® Times Cited: | 1 |
Deposited By: | Health Sciences |
Deposited On: | 2017-12-21 |
Last Modified: | 2019-03-25 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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