Artikel

Sociaal-psychologische aspecten van Abortus Provocatus

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Abstract

Social-psychological aspects of induced abortion. - In order to better understand the phenomenon of induced abortion, some characteristics of the social context are pointed out, such as the feminine and motherhood mystique. It is postulated that a presupposition was at the root of much of the earlier research on the consequences of induced abortion: the expectation that the intervention couldn’t be but traumatic, as women went against their “true nature”. After reviewing the features of the literature of the past 30 years, the poor methodological quality of the research - until recently -is illuminated. Although no decisive statement is already possible, one can state with a rather high probability that for most women, a (first trimester) abortion doesn’t produce any serious adverse psychological reaction. Some women seem to be more at risk. It is also remembered that other circumstances (surgery, broken relationship, socio-economic situation, ...) may play an important role in the way women react to induced abortion. A majority of women who are refused abortion also seem to adjust well to their new situation. Indeed, some of them after a (rather long) period of difficulties. Analogous to a performed abortion, there seem to be conditions who make some women more at risk for adverse reaction to a refusal. After stressing the necessity of interpersonal relationships for the development of the (young) child and the repercussion of non-acceptance for mental health, the scarce research data concerning the consequences for the child whose mothers demand for abortion was refused are reviewed. The main results of the Czech study are especially enumerated. Further, it is noted that the demand for abortion remains somewhat “special” for most physicians. Research data indicate the impact of a negative attitude of the (para)medical staff on aborted women. Finally, attention is paid to the possibilities as well as to the necessary conditions for counselling women with unwanted pregnancies.

How to Cite:

Deven, F., (1976) “Sociaal-psychologische aspecten van Abortus Provocatus”, Tijdschrift voor Sociale Wetenschappen 21(3), 241–264. doi: https://doi.org/10.21825/tvsw.96033