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Chapter 24 - Stigma and Abortion Care

Implications for Training

from Section III - Family Planning Curricular Design & Implementation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 July 2021

By
Meghan Seewald ,
Lisa A. Martin  and
Lisa H. Harris
Edited by
Uta Landy ,
Philip D Darney  and
Jody Steinauer
Uta Landy
Affiliation:
University of California, San Francisco
Philip D Darney
Affiliation:
University of California, San Francisco
Jody Steinauer
Affiliation:
University of California, San Francisco
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Summary

Abortion stigma is a phenomenon in many regions and cultures. Those receiving training in clinical abortion care should understand abortion stigma both as a theoretical concept and as a lived experience for the abortion-care workforce. Indeed, one of the most challenging aspects of abortion care is managing and negotiating the stigma that often comes with it.In this chapter we define abortion stigma, and discuss its impact on people who seek abortion and on those who care for them.We introduce key concepts in stigma dynamics, in particular the ways in which stigma and silence create vicious cycles that affect psychosocial well-being, abortion complications, and law and policy.We consider the ways in which training settings bring unique stigma-related challenges for both trainer and trainee, including learner dilemmas about seeking abortion training, disclosing abortion training, and interacting with other healthcare providers who may be opposed to abortion.We conclude by reviewing strategies for managing stigma and developing resilience to its consequences, including values clarification trainings and the Provider's Share Workshop.

Keywords

abortion provisionstigmaabortion stigmaabortion trainingclinical trainingstigma interventions
Type
Chapter
Information
Advancing Women's Health Through Medical Education
A Systems Approach in Family Planning and Abortion
 , pp. 240 - 252
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2021

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