Toward normalising abortion: findings from a qualitative secondary analysis study

Carrie Purcell,Karen Maxwell,Fiona Bloomer,Sam Rowlands,Lesley Hoggart

doi:10.1080/13691058.2019.1679395

Abstract

In most settings worldwide, abortion continues to be highly stigmatised. Whilst a considerable body of literature has addressed abortion stigma, what is less commonly examined are the ways in which those with experience of abortion describe it in non-negative terms which may resist or reject stigma. Drawing on qualitative secondary analysis of five UK datasets using a narrative inquiry approach, we explore: the use of non-negative language around abortion, potential components of a normalising narrative, and constraints on non-negativity. As such, we present the first empirical UK study to critically examine how a dominant negative abortion narrative might be disrupted.

Highlights

In most settings worldwide, abortion continues to be commonly framed as controversial and highly stigmatised
These have in turn enabled us to address the question of what a stock of knowledge – what we refer to here for brevity as a ‘narrative’ – in which abortion is normalised might consist of; and what narrative resources appear to be available to women who wish to account for their experiences in non-negative terms
We first present a general exploration of non-negative framings, before examining in greater detail two potential components of a normalising narrative – explicit positivity and the use of negation statements – before addressing a notable set of constraints on non-negativity, which include ‘real or imagined dialogue with others’ about abortion

Summary

Introduction

Abortion continues to be commonly framed as controversial and highly stigmatised. A considerable, predominantly US-focused literature has addressed this stigma, attributing it largely to the challenge abortion poses to powerful norms of feminine sexuality, underpinned by intersecting health inequalities (Kumar, Hessini, and Mitchell 2009; Norris et al 2011; Cockrill and Nack 2013; Hanschmidt et al 2016). This situates abortion stigma as the significant issue for equitable access to sexual and reproductive healthcare, and for the wellbeing of women undergoing abortion. In the UK, a shift toward normalising abortion is evident in a nationwide, multiorganisation campaign for full decriminalisation of abortion. As with many current grassroots and research-based projects

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion