Choosing to have an illegal abortion in southern Africa: a comprehensive systematic review of the qualitative and text and opinion evidence.

Abstract

Review Objective/Questions The overall objective of this systematic review is to critically appraise, synthesize and present the best available evidence in relation to why women choose to undergo an “illegal or unsafe” abortion when abortion is legal and readily available in South Africa. Review question: Why do pregnant women choose “illegal or unsafe” abortions when legal abortions are freely available in South Africa? Inclusion Criteria Types of participants This systematic review will consider any qualitative study where the focus is on pregnant women of childbearing age who have had an illegal abortion and who live in Southern Africa. Phenomena of interest The phenomena of interest of this review are the reasons why women choose illegal abortions in situations where abortion is freely available; social and demographic data of participants in studies. For the purpose of this systematic review, studies that use terms such as “unsafe” abortion, or abortions conducted in “non-medical settings” will be considered to be illegal abortions and will be considered for inclusion in the study. Context This review will consider any qualitative study for inclusion that was conducted in South Africa. Studies that have been conducted in public or private health care settings will be considered for inclusion in the review. Health care settings may include hospitals, clinics and non-governmental organizations that offer supportive services to women who have had an abortion