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Defining abortion beyond the clinic: Lay perspectives of abortion from a multi-state cross-sectional survey

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  • Carter, Gentry
  • Jensen, Robin E.
  • Baayd, Jami
  • Quade, Caitlin
  • Sanders, Jessica

Abstract

Abortion as a term functions within and across multiple spheres of interaction—medical, legal, public, and lay. Considerable attention has been given to medical and legal definitions regarding abortion. However, limited research exists regarding lay definitions of abortion and how they may be distinct from those in other discursive realms. This is the case even though research suggests lay conceptualizations of reproductive health topics play a central role in shaping reproductive health-related beliefs, norms, and behaviors. In an effort to begin closing this gap in knowledge, this study investigates lay definitions of abortion within the context of the contemporary U.S. reproductive health landscape, focusing on three western states with large rural populations. In a quantitative survey of 2,603 individuals, we explored people's definitions of abortion by asking them to identify if a range of reproductive scenarios qualify as abortion. Our analysis also examines how specific demographic and social factors influence those definitions.

Suggested Citation

  • Carter, Gentry & Jensen, Robin E. & Baayd, Jami & Quade, Caitlin & Sanders, Jessica, 2025. "Defining abortion beyond the clinic: Lay perspectives of abortion from a multi-state cross-sectional survey," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 382(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:382:y:2025:i:c:s0277953625006549
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2025.118323
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