Women's experiences when unsure about whether or not to have an abortion in the first trimester
Kjelsvik, Marianne; Sekse, Ragnhild Johanne Tveit; Moi, Asgjerd Litleré; Aasen, Elin Margrethe; Chesla, Catherine A.; Gjengedal, Eva
Peer reviewed, Journal article
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Date
2018Metadata
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Original version
https://doi.org/10.1080/07399332.2018.1465945Abstract
Abortion during the first trimester is legal in most Western countries. However, deciding to terminate a pregnancy is a challenging process, and some women arrive at the abortion clinic still not absolutely certain. We explored the experiences of 13 pregnant Norwegian women struggling to finalize their decision, interviewing them before and after their decision. Verification of the pregnancy meant a new reality for the women. They started to consider their readiness, describing the experience as a lonely journey during which their values were challenged. A feeling of existential loneliness dominated the decision-making process and the implementation.