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Role of Social and Informational Support while Deciding on Pregnancy Termination for Medical Reasons

Author

Listed:
  • Kornelia Zaręba

    (First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center of Postgraduate Medical Education, 00-416 Warsaw, Poland)

  • Marta Makara-Studzińska

    (Faculty of Clinical Health Psychology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-501 Krakow, Poland)

  • Michał Ciebiera

    (Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center of Postgraduate Medical Education, 01-809 Warsaw, Poland)

  • Jacek Gierus

    (Department of Psychiatry, Department of Health Sciences, Medical University of Warsaw, 05-802 Warsaw, Poland)

  • Grzegorz Jakiel

    (First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center of Postgraduate Medical Education, 00-416 Warsaw, Poland)

Abstract

Background : Poland is a country with restrictive laws concerning abortion, which is only allowed if the mother’s life and health are in danger, in case of rape, and severe defects in the fetus. This paper specifies the forms of support expected by women considering termination from their family, people in their surroundings and professional medical personnel. Methods : Between June 2014 and May 2016 patients eligible to terminate a pregnancy for medical reasons were asked to complete an anonymous survey consisting of sixty questions to determine patient profile and forms of support expected from the society, family and professional medical personnel as well as to assess informational support provided. Results : Women do not take into consideration society’s opinion on pregnancy termination (95%). The majority of the respondents think that financial support from the state is not sufficient to provide for sick children (81%). Despite claiming to have a medium standard of life (75%), nearly half of the respondents (45%) say that they do not have the financial resources to take care of a sick child. The women have informed their partner (97%) and closest family members (82%) and a low percentage have informed friends (32%). Nearly one third (31%) have not talked to the attending gynecologist about their decision. Conclusions : The decision to terminate a pregnancy is made by mature women with a stable life situation—supported by their partner and close family. They do not expect systemic support, as they believe it is marginal, and only seek emotional support from their closest family. They appreciate support provided by professional medical personnel if it is personal.

Suggested Citation

  • Kornelia Zaręba & Marta Makara-Studzińska & Michał Ciebiera & Jacek Gierus & Grzegorz Jakiel, 2018. "Role of Social and Informational Support while Deciding on Pregnancy Termination for Medical Reasons," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-13, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:15:y:2018:i:12:p:2854-:d:190482
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mónica Frederico & Kristien Michielsen & Carlos Arnaldo & Peter Decat, 2018. "Factors Influencing Abortion Decision-Making Processes among Young Women," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-13, February.
    2. Steinberg, Julia Renee & Russo, Nancy F., 2008. "Abortion and anxiety: What's the relationship?," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 67(2), pages 238-252, July.
    3. Erikson, Susan L., 2003. "Post-diagnostic abortion in Germany: reproduction gone awry, again?," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 56(9), pages 1987-2001, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. Kornelia Zaręba & Stanisław Wójtowicz & Jolanta Banasiewicz & Krzysztof Herman & Grzegorz Jakiel, 2021. "The Influence of Abortion Law on the Frequency of Pregnancy Terminations—A Retrospective Comparative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-11, April.
    2. Kornelia Zaręba & Valentina Lucia La Rosa & Michał Ciebiera & Marta Makara-Studzińska & Jacek Gierus & Grzegorz Jakiel, 2019. "Psychosocial Profile and Reproductive Decisions of Women Undergoing Pregnancy Termination for Medical Reasons—A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(18), pages 1-9, September.

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