%0 Journal Article
%T A qualitative exploration of HIV-positive pregnant women¡¯s decision-making regarding abortion in Cape Town, South Africa
%A P Orner
%A M de Bruyn
%A J Harries
%A D Cooper
%J SAHARA J (Journal of Social Aspects of HIV/AIDS Research Alliance)
%D 2010
%I Taylor & Francis Group
%X HIV-positive women¡¯s abortion decisions were explored by: (i) investigating influencing factors; (ii) determining knowledge of abortion policy and public health services; and (iii) exploring abortion experiences. In-depth interviews were held with 24 HIVpositive women (15 had an abortion; 9 did not), recruited at public health facilities in Cape Town, South Africa. Negative perceptions towards HIV-positive pregnant women were reported. Women wanted abortions due to socio-economic hardship in conjunction with HIV-positive status. Respondents were generally aware that women in South Africa had a right to free abortions in public health facilities. Both positive and negative abortion experiences were described. Respondents reported no discrimination by providers due to their HIV-positive status. Most respondents reported not using contraceptives, while describing their pregnancies as ¡®unexpected¡¯. The majority of women who had abortions wanted to avoid another one, and would encourage other HIV-positive women to try to avoid abortion. However, most felt abortions were acceptable for HIV-positive women in some circumstances. Data suggested that stigma and discrimination affect connections between abortion, pregnancy and HIV/AIDS, and that abortion may be more stigmatised than HIV/AIDS. Study results provide important insights, and   any revision of reproductive health policy, services, counselling for abortion and HIV/AIDS care should address these issues.
%U http://www.ajol.info/index.php/saharaj/article/view/67722