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article · BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health

Demanding doctorability for abortion on request: a conversation analysis of pre-abortion counselling in public hospitals in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

20241 citationRhodes University

Abstract

As abortion is legal <i>on request</i> in the first trimester in South Africa, no reason for presenting for an abortion is needed. The demand for users to perform 'doctorability' - that is, to present their situation as worthy of a health professional's (in this case abortion provider's) time - served as a precursor to discipline the abortion seeker for assumed poor contraceptive usage. Providers should be trained in user-centred care that supports pregnant people's autonomy in accessing legally induced abortion. A limitation of this study is its restriction to three abortion clinics in one region of South Africa.

Research topics

  • Reproductive Health and Contraception
  • Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health
  • Marriage and Sexual Relationships

Sustainable Development Goals

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DOI: 10.1136/bmjsrh-2023-202020

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