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Evidence on self-managed abortion in India: Overview of findings, identification of gaps, and recommendations for future research

Sruthi Chandrasekaran, Ibis Reproductive Health
Ruvani Jayaweera
Erika Atienzo, Ibis Reproductive Health
Katherine Key, Ibis Reproductive Health
Camille Garnsey, Ibis Reproductive Health

15.6 million abortions occurred in India in 2015, and 73% of these were medication abortions (MA) performed outside of health facilities, usually without a prescription. Very few studies document the experiences of those accessing medication abortion pills outside of health settings, without clinical supervision, and without a prescription (self-managed abortion). We outline key findings from published and grey literature that document experiences with self-managed abortion for the MA user and other stakeholders including partner, family members, community health workers such as Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), pharmacists, and local providers. Findings were categorized using an adapted user journey framework into the following stages: pregnancy detection, knowledge about MA, decision making around pregnancy outcome and abortion method, purchase of MA and information transfer, user experience, and post-abortion needs. We identify gaps in the literature and provide recommendations on areas for future research. Understanding the abortion journeys of self-managed abortion users will help inform interventions and policies that can ensure that those seeking abortion have access to the information and support they deserve.

Keywords: Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Qualitative data/methods/approaches

See paper.

  Presented in Session 76. Abortion as a Programme and Policy Priority