Social context and the experience of a sample of U.S. women taking RU-486 (mifepristone) for early abortion

Qual Health Res. 2004 May;14(5):612-27. doi: 10.1177/1049732304263677.

Abstract

Of 50 women seeking an abortion in Rochester, New York, between November 1999 and January 2001, 35 went on to complete an in-depth interview from 1 to 6 weeks after their follow-up clinical visit. A higher proportion of women who defined their pregnancy as a baby indicated emotional distress during their in-depth interview compared to those who saw their pregnancy as only having the potential to become a baby. The authors conclude that abortion might be made less difficult through public education about the different views of pregnancy and abortion throughout U.S. history. It might be important for abortion counselors to first ask a woman how she defines her pregnancy. A larger study is warranted.

MeSH terms

  • Abortifacient Agents, Steroidal*
  • Abortion, Induced / psychology*
  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Attitude to Health*
  • Decision Making
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Mifepristone*
  • New York
  • Pregnancy
  • Social Values*

Substances

  • Abortifacient Agents, Steroidal
  • Mifepristone