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Abortion Knowledge and Experiences Among U.S. Servicewomen: A Qualitative Study
Author(s) -
Grindlay Kate,
Seymour Jane W.,
Fix Laura,
Reiger Sarah,
KeefeOates Brianna,
Grossman Daniel
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
perspectives on sexual and reproductive health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.818
H-Index - 93
eISSN - 1931-2393
pISSN - 1538-6341
DOI - 10.1363/psrh.12044
Subject(s) - abortion , medicine , confidentiality , referral , family medicine , pregnancy , political science , law , genetics , biology
CONTEXT U.S. servicewomen have a higher rate of unintended pregnancy than civilian women, yet the military does not provide or cover abortion, except in limited circumstances. Servicewomen's experiences with abortion care have received little research attention. METHODS Twenty‐one in‐depth interviews with servicewomen who had had an abortion during active‐duty service in the prior two years were conducted between January 2015 and July 2016. Women reported on their experiences accessing abortion, as well as their knowledge and opinions of the military's abortion policy. Data were analyzed thematically using inductive and deductive codes. RESULTS In regard to their pregnancy and abortion experiences, servicewomen cited concerns about confidentiality, stigma and negative effects on their career, which prevented half of participants from seeking care from the military. Of those who visited a military treatment facility during pregnancy, some reported feeling upset or abandoned by the lack of options counseling and referral. Women reported that the military's abortion policy had negative health and emotional consequences for servicewomen, and negative financial and logistical consequences for both servicewomen and the military. Most did not have accurate knowledge of the abortion policy. Upon learning the law, the majority believed that the military should provide and cover abortion; yet, servicewomen also expressed apprehension about the military's involvement in abortion care, because of concerns about privacy and negative effects on women's careers. CONCLUSIONS Policy recommendations to better meet the needs of servicewomen include wider dissemination of the military's abortion policy, establishing abortion referral and support guidelines, and improving confidentiality in military health services.