Psychosocial aspects of early abortion
Keywords:
hormonal contraception; emergency contraception; post-coital contraception; pharmacological abortion; medical abortion (RU-486); early abortive methods
Abstract
There exist various types of early abortive methods, whose aim is to stop the development of a conceived child. Due to their variety (e.g. hormonal contraception, emergency contraceptive pill, medical abortion RU-486) the experiences of women who used them and the psychological consequences of such procedures are diverse. The article discusses the psychological conditions in which the decision of early abortion is taken, its emotional consequences and factors modifying the women’s experiences. The main focus is on medical abortion (RU-486), as on the one hand it is becoming common popular, and on the other hand, it particularly illustrates the problems characteristic for early abortion.
References
Arisi, E. (2003). Changing attitudes towards abortion in Europe. The European Journal of Contraception and Reproductive Health Care, 8, 2, 109-121.
Beckman, L. J., Harvey, S. M. (1997). Experience and acceptability of medical abortion with mifepristone and misoprostol among U.S. women. Womens Health Issues, 7, 4, 253-262.
Blumenthal, P. D. (1992). Abortion: Epidemiology, safety, and technique. Current Opinions Obstetrick Gynecology, 4, 4, 506-512.
Broen, A. N., Moum T., Bodtker, A. S., Ekeberg, O. (2004). Psychological impact on women of spontaneous abortion versus induced abortion: A 2-year follow-up study. Psychosomatic Medicine, 66, 265-271.
Chazan, B. (1993). Medyczne następstwa przerywania ciąży. Studia Demograficzne, 1, 103-111.
Coleman, P. K. (2004). The uniquely destructive psychological experience of elective abortion: Comparisons with other forms of perinatal loss and delivery of an unintended pregnancy. Research Bulletin, 17, 6, 1-8.
Darney, P. D., Atkinson, E., Tanner, S., MacPherson, S., Hellerstein, S., Alvarado, A. (1990). Acceptance and perceptions of Norplant among users in San Francisco. Studies in Family Planning, 21, 3, 152-160.
Dupont, S., Webber, J., Dass, K., Thornton, S. (2002). Emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) and sexual risk behaviour. International Journal of STD and AIDS, 13, 7, 482-485.
Dzierżanowska-Peszko, J. (2003). Analiza osobowości kobiet z doświadczeniem aborcji. Psychologiczne badania empiryczne (mps pracy doktorskiej, Lublin, KUL).
Fielding, S. L., Edmunds, E., Schaff, E. A. (2002). Having an abortion using mifepristone and home misoprostol: A qualitative analysis of women’s experiences. Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health, 34, 1, 34-40.
Gichangi, P. B., Karanja, J. G., Kigondu, C. S., Fonck, K., Temmerman, M. (1999). Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding emergency contraception among nurses and nursing students in two hospitals in Nairobi, Kenya. Contraception, 59, 4, 253-256.
González-Olguin, A., Romero-Gutiérrez, G., Malacara, J. M., León-Medina, J. D. (1988). Personality profiles and socioeconomic factors in contraceptive use. Contraception, 38, 5, 551.
Grimes, D. A., Mishell, D. R., David, H. P. (1992). A randomized clinical trial of mifepristone (RU486) for induction of delayed menses: Efficacy and acceptability. Contraception, 46, 1, 1-10.
Harper, C., Ellertson, C. (1995). Knowledge and perception of emergency contraceptive pills among a college-age population: A quantitative approach. Family Planning Perspectives, 27, 4, 149-154.
Harvey, S. M., Beckman, L. J., Sherman, C., Petitti, D. (1999). Women’s experience and satisfaction with emergency contraception. Family Planning Perspectives, 31, 5, 237-240, 260.
Harvey, S. M., Beckman, L. J., Castle, M. A., Coeytaux, F. (1995). Knowledge and perception of medical abortion among potential users. Family Planning Perspectives, 27, 5, 203-207.
Heikinheimo, O., Ylikorkala, O., Lahteenmaaki, P. (1990). Antyprogesterone RU 486 – a drug for non surgical abortion. Annual Medical, 22, 2, 75-84.
Henshaw, R., Naji, S., Russell, I., Templeton, A. (1994). Psychological responses following medical abortion (using mifepristone and gemeprost) and surgical vacuum aspiration. A patient-centered, partially randomized prospective study. Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica, 73, 10, 812-818.
Holmgren, K. (1992). Women’s evaluation of three early abortion methods. Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica, 71, 8, 616-623.
Howie, F. L., Henshaw, R. C., Naji, S. A., Russell, I. T., Templeton, A. A. (1997). Medical abortion or vacuum aspiration? Two year follow up of patient preference trial. British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 104, 7, 829- 833.
Jackson, R., Bimla Schwarz, E., Freedman, L., Darney, P. (2000). Knowledge and willingness to use emergency contraception among low-income post-partum women. Contraception, 61, 6, 351-357.
Jansen, R. P. (1990). Unfinished feticide. Journal of Medical Ethics, 16, 2, 61-65.
Jones, F. E., Paul, L., Westoff, F. C. (1980). Contraceptive efficacy: The significance of method and motivation. Studies in Family Planning, 11, 2, 39.
Kaczmar, E. M. (1998). Psychologiczna analiza zaburzeń występujących po przerwaniu ciąży. Studia nad Rodziną, 2, 141-150.
Kornas-Biela, D. (1988). Psychologiczne uwarunkowania i konsekwencje przerwania ciąży. Przegląd Psychologiczny, 2, 467-485.
Kornas-Biela, D. (1999). Niespełnione macierzyństwo: psychologiczna sytuacja matek po poronieniu. W: D. Kornas-Biela (red.), Oblicza macierzyństwa (s. 179-200). Lublin: Redakcja Wydawnictw KUL.
Kornas-Biela, D. (2000). Psychologiczne konsekwencje aborcji u ojców. W: Międzynarodowy Kongres o Godność Ojcostwa (s. 235-250). Gdańsk: Human Life International-Europa.
Kornas-Biela, D. (2001). Współczesny kryzys ojcostwa. W: D. Kornas-Biela (red.), Oblicza ojcostwa (s. 171-192). Lublin: Towarzystwo Naukowe KUL.
Kornas-Biela, D. (2002). Wokół początku życia ludzkiego. Warszawa: IW PAX.
Kornas-Biela, D. (2005a). Mit o nieszkodliwości środków wczesnoporonnych i ich antykoncepcyjnym działaniu: kontekst psychospołeczny. Służba Życiu, 1, 15-19.
Kornas-Biela, D. (2005b). Psychologiczne aspekty naturalnego planowania rodziny. W: M. Troszyński (red.), Naturalne planowanie rodziny (s. 115-130). Warszawa: Polskie Stowarzyszenie Nauczycieli Naturalnego Planowania Rodziny.
Levathes, L. (1995). Listening to RU 486. Health, 9, 1, 86-90.
Ney, P. (1998). Hope Alive. Post-abortion and abuse treatment. A guide for group counsellors. Victoria: Pioneer Publishing Inc.
Ngai, S. W., Tang, O. S., Chan, Y. M., Ho, P. C. (2000). Vaginal misoprostol alone for medical abortion up to 9 weeks of gestation: Efficacy and acceptability. Human Reproduction, 15, 5, 1159-1162.
Ostrowska, K. (1994). Aborcja – niektóre problemy psychologiczne. Nowiny Psychologiczne, 1, 29-44.
Pluta, K. (2005). Procedura aborcyjna z wykorzystaniem RU-486. Służba Życiu, 1, 10-13.
Rademakers, J., Koster, E., Jansen-Van Hees, A. C., Willems, F. (2001). Medical abortion as a alternative to vacuum aspiration: First experiences with the ‘abortion pill’ in the Netherlands. European Journal of Contraception and Reproductive Health Care, 6, 4, 185-191.
Reardon, D. C., Ney, P. (2000). Abortion and subsequent substance abuse. American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 26, 61-75.
Shulman, L. P. (2003). Advanced in female hormonal contraception: Current alternatives to oral regimens. Treatments in Endocrinology, 2, 4, 247-256.
Simonds, W., Ellertson, C., Springer, K., Winikoff, B. (1998). Abortion, revised: Participants in the U. S. clinical trials evaluate mifepristone. Social Science and Medicine, 46, 10, 1313-1323.
Slade, P., Heke, S., Fletcher, J., Stewart, P. (1998). A comparison of medical and surgical termination of pregnancy: Choice, emotional impact and satisfaction with care. British Journal of Obstetric and Gynaecology, 105, 12, 1288-1295.
Sorensen, M. B., Pedersen, B. L., Nyrnberg, L. E. (2000). Differences between users and non-users of emergency contraception after a recognized unprotected intercourse. Contraception, 62, 1, 1-3.
Szymański, Z. (2004). Antykoncepcja i środki wczesnoporonne. W: A. Szymański (red.), Płodność i planowanie rodziny. Kompendium dla pracowników służby zdrowia oraz instruktorów poradnictwa rodzinnego (s. 228-242). Szczecin: Wydawnictwo Pomorskiej Akademii Medycznej.
Tuffs, A. (1999). German drug agency approves mifepristone. British Medical Journal, 17 july, 319.
Virgo, K. S., Carr, T. R., Hile, A., Irgo, J. M., Sullivan, G. M., Kaikami, J. G. (1999). Medical versus surgical abortion: A survey of knowledge and attitudes among abortion clinic patients. Womens Health Issues, 9, 3, 143-154.
Westhoff, C., Picardo, L., Morrow, E. (2003). Quality of life following early medical or surgical abortion. Contraception, 67, 1, 41-47.
Wildemeersch, D., Schacht, E., Thiery, M., Van Kets, H. (2000). Intrauterine contraception in the year 2001: Can intrauterine device use be revived with new improved contraceptive technology? European Journal of Contraception & Reproductive Health Care, 5, 4, 295-304.
Williams, N. (red.) (1986-1987). Contraceptive technology. New York: Irvington Publishers, Inc.
Winikoff, B. (1995). Acceptability of medical abortion in early pregnancy. Family Planning Perspectives, 27, 4, 142-148, 185.
Winkler, A. (1999). Zranione macierzyństwo: doświadczenia matek po aborcji. W: D. Kornas-Biela (red.), Oblicza macierzyństwa (s. 241-245). Lublin: Redakcja Wydawnictw KUL.
Wysowski, D. K., Green, L. (1995). Serious adverse events in Norplant users reported to the Food and Drug Administration’s MedWatch Spontaneous Reporting System. Obstetrics and Gynecology, 85, 538-542.
Beckman, L. J., Harvey, S. M. (1997). Experience and acceptability of medical abortion with mifepristone and misoprostol among U.S. women. Womens Health Issues, 7, 4, 253-262.
Blumenthal, P. D. (1992). Abortion: Epidemiology, safety, and technique. Current Opinions Obstetrick Gynecology, 4, 4, 506-512.
Broen, A. N., Moum T., Bodtker, A. S., Ekeberg, O. (2004). Psychological impact on women of spontaneous abortion versus induced abortion: A 2-year follow-up study. Psychosomatic Medicine, 66, 265-271.
Chazan, B. (1993). Medyczne następstwa przerywania ciąży. Studia Demograficzne, 1, 103-111.
Coleman, P. K. (2004). The uniquely destructive psychological experience of elective abortion: Comparisons with other forms of perinatal loss and delivery of an unintended pregnancy. Research Bulletin, 17, 6, 1-8.
Darney, P. D., Atkinson, E., Tanner, S., MacPherson, S., Hellerstein, S., Alvarado, A. (1990). Acceptance and perceptions of Norplant among users in San Francisco. Studies in Family Planning, 21, 3, 152-160.
Dupont, S., Webber, J., Dass, K., Thornton, S. (2002). Emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) and sexual risk behaviour. International Journal of STD and AIDS, 13, 7, 482-485.
Dzierżanowska-Peszko, J. (2003). Analiza osobowości kobiet z doświadczeniem aborcji. Psychologiczne badania empiryczne (mps pracy doktorskiej, Lublin, KUL).
Fielding, S. L., Edmunds, E., Schaff, E. A. (2002). Having an abortion using mifepristone and home misoprostol: A qualitative analysis of women’s experiences. Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health, 34, 1, 34-40.
Gichangi, P. B., Karanja, J. G., Kigondu, C. S., Fonck, K., Temmerman, M. (1999). Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding emergency contraception among nurses and nursing students in two hospitals in Nairobi, Kenya. Contraception, 59, 4, 253-256.
González-Olguin, A., Romero-Gutiérrez, G., Malacara, J. M., León-Medina, J. D. (1988). Personality profiles and socioeconomic factors in contraceptive use. Contraception, 38, 5, 551.
Grimes, D. A., Mishell, D. R., David, H. P. (1992). A randomized clinical trial of mifepristone (RU486) for induction of delayed menses: Efficacy and acceptability. Contraception, 46, 1, 1-10.
Harper, C., Ellertson, C. (1995). Knowledge and perception of emergency contraceptive pills among a college-age population: A quantitative approach. Family Planning Perspectives, 27, 4, 149-154.
Harvey, S. M., Beckman, L. J., Sherman, C., Petitti, D. (1999). Women’s experience and satisfaction with emergency contraception. Family Planning Perspectives, 31, 5, 237-240, 260.
Harvey, S. M., Beckman, L. J., Castle, M. A., Coeytaux, F. (1995). Knowledge and perception of medical abortion among potential users. Family Planning Perspectives, 27, 5, 203-207.
Heikinheimo, O., Ylikorkala, O., Lahteenmaaki, P. (1990). Antyprogesterone RU 486 – a drug for non surgical abortion. Annual Medical, 22, 2, 75-84.
Henshaw, R., Naji, S., Russell, I., Templeton, A. (1994). Psychological responses following medical abortion (using mifepristone and gemeprost) and surgical vacuum aspiration. A patient-centered, partially randomized prospective study. Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica, 73, 10, 812-818.
Holmgren, K. (1992). Women’s evaluation of three early abortion methods. Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica, 71, 8, 616-623.
Howie, F. L., Henshaw, R. C., Naji, S. A., Russell, I. T., Templeton, A. A. (1997). Medical abortion or vacuum aspiration? Two year follow up of patient preference trial. British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 104, 7, 829- 833.
Jackson, R., Bimla Schwarz, E., Freedman, L., Darney, P. (2000). Knowledge and willingness to use emergency contraception among low-income post-partum women. Contraception, 61, 6, 351-357.
Jansen, R. P. (1990). Unfinished feticide. Journal of Medical Ethics, 16, 2, 61-65.
Jones, F. E., Paul, L., Westoff, F. C. (1980). Contraceptive efficacy: The significance of method and motivation. Studies in Family Planning, 11, 2, 39.
Kaczmar, E. M. (1998). Psychologiczna analiza zaburzeń występujących po przerwaniu ciąży. Studia nad Rodziną, 2, 141-150.
Kornas-Biela, D. (1988). Psychologiczne uwarunkowania i konsekwencje przerwania ciąży. Przegląd Psychologiczny, 2, 467-485.
Kornas-Biela, D. (1999). Niespełnione macierzyństwo: psychologiczna sytuacja matek po poronieniu. W: D. Kornas-Biela (red.), Oblicza macierzyństwa (s. 179-200). Lublin: Redakcja Wydawnictw KUL.
Kornas-Biela, D. (2000). Psychologiczne konsekwencje aborcji u ojców. W: Międzynarodowy Kongres o Godność Ojcostwa (s. 235-250). Gdańsk: Human Life International-Europa.
Kornas-Biela, D. (2001). Współczesny kryzys ojcostwa. W: D. Kornas-Biela (red.), Oblicza ojcostwa (s. 171-192). Lublin: Towarzystwo Naukowe KUL.
Kornas-Biela, D. (2002). Wokół początku życia ludzkiego. Warszawa: IW PAX.
Kornas-Biela, D. (2005a). Mit o nieszkodliwości środków wczesnoporonnych i ich antykoncepcyjnym działaniu: kontekst psychospołeczny. Służba Życiu, 1, 15-19.
Kornas-Biela, D. (2005b). Psychologiczne aspekty naturalnego planowania rodziny. W: M. Troszyński (red.), Naturalne planowanie rodziny (s. 115-130). Warszawa: Polskie Stowarzyszenie Nauczycieli Naturalnego Planowania Rodziny.
Levathes, L. (1995). Listening to RU 486. Health, 9, 1, 86-90.
Ney, P. (1998). Hope Alive. Post-abortion and abuse treatment. A guide for group counsellors. Victoria: Pioneer Publishing Inc.
Ngai, S. W., Tang, O. S., Chan, Y. M., Ho, P. C. (2000). Vaginal misoprostol alone for medical abortion up to 9 weeks of gestation: Efficacy and acceptability. Human Reproduction, 15, 5, 1159-1162.
Ostrowska, K. (1994). Aborcja – niektóre problemy psychologiczne. Nowiny Psychologiczne, 1, 29-44.
Pluta, K. (2005). Procedura aborcyjna z wykorzystaniem RU-486. Służba Życiu, 1, 10-13.
Rademakers, J., Koster, E., Jansen-Van Hees, A. C., Willems, F. (2001). Medical abortion as a alternative to vacuum aspiration: First experiences with the ‘abortion pill’ in the Netherlands. European Journal of Contraception and Reproductive Health Care, 6, 4, 185-191.
Reardon, D. C., Ney, P. (2000). Abortion and subsequent substance abuse. American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 26, 61-75.
Shulman, L. P. (2003). Advanced in female hormonal contraception: Current alternatives to oral regimens. Treatments in Endocrinology, 2, 4, 247-256.
Simonds, W., Ellertson, C., Springer, K., Winikoff, B. (1998). Abortion, revised: Participants in the U. S. clinical trials evaluate mifepristone. Social Science and Medicine, 46, 10, 1313-1323.
Slade, P., Heke, S., Fletcher, J., Stewart, P. (1998). A comparison of medical and surgical termination of pregnancy: Choice, emotional impact and satisfaction with care. British Journal of Obstetric and Gynaecology, 105, 12, 1288-1295.
Sorensen, M. B., Pedersen, B. L., Nyrnberg, L. E. (2000). Differences between users and non-users of emergency contraception after a recognized unprotected intercourse. Contraception, 62, 1, 1-3.
Szymański, Z. (2004). Antykoncepcja i środki wczesnoporonne. W: A. Szymański (red.), Płodność i planowanie rodziny. Kompendium dla pracowników służby zdrowia oraz instruktorów poradnictwa rodzinnego (s. 228-242). Szczecin: Wydawnictwo Pomorskiej Akademii Medycznej.
Tuffs, A. (1999). German drug agency approves mifepristone. British Medical Journal, 17 july, 319.
Virgo, K. S., Carr, T. R., Hile, A., Irgo, J. M., Sullivan, G. M., Kaikami, J. G. (1999). Medical versus surgical abortion: A survey of knowledge and attitudes among abortion clinic patients. Womens Health Issues, 9, 3, 143-154.
Westhoff, C., Picardo, L., Morrow, E. (2003). Quality of life following early medical or surgical abortion. Contraception, 67, 1, 41-47.
Wildemeersch, D., Schacht, E., Thiery, M., Van Kets, H. (2000). Intrauterine contraception in the year 2001: Can intrauterine device use be revived with new improved contraceptive technology? European Journal of Contraception & Reproductive Health Care, 5, 4, 295-304.
Williams, N. (red.) (1986-1987). Contraceptive technology. New York: Irvington Publishers, Inc.
Winikoff, B. (1995). Acceptability of medical abortion in early pregnancy. Family Planning Perspectives, 27, 4, 142-148, 185.
Winkler, A. (1999). Zranione macierzyństwo: doświadczenia matek po aborcji. W: D. Kornas-Biela (red.), Oblicza macierzyństwa (s. 241-245). Lublin: Redakcja Wydawnictw KUL.
Wysowski, D. K., Green, L. (1995). Serious adverse events in Norplant users reported to the Food and Drug Administration’s MedWatch Spontaneous Reporting System. Obstetrics and Gynecology, 85, 538-542.
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