Wilson-Lowe, R. V., Purcell, C. , Lewis, R. and McDaid, L. (2024) Seeking support for abortion online: a qualitative study of women’s experiences. BMJ Sexual and Reproductive Health, (doi: 10.1136/bmjsrh-2023-202083) (PMID:38336468) (Early Online Publication)
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Abstract
Introduction: Social support can mitigate the impact of stress and stigma before or after an abortion. However, stigma anticipation can limit access to in-person support. Informal online spaces can offer opportunities to address unmet support needs including supplementing in-person support lacking within stigmatised contexts. While earlier studies have explored content of posts comprising personal accounts of abortion, little is known about the nuances of how and to what end online spaces are navigated. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted remotely (online or by telephone) with 23 women living in Scotland (aged 20–54 years) recruited through social media and online advertisements. Reflexive thematic analysis was supported by NVivo12 software. Results: Key themes: obtaining support that was unavailable from in-person networks; preparation for abortion; reducing feelings of isolation. The majority of participants independently searched online for accounts of abortion, with only three receiving any signposting to specific resources. Without guidance, finding relevant, supportive content was not straightforward. The search process was additionally complicated by the prevalence of abortion stigma online, which generated an additional burden at a potentially challenging time. Those who received direction towards particular resources reported primarily positive online experiences. Conclusions: While online content could address perceived in-person support gaps, the process of finding supportive content without guidance can be complex. Online searching may also expose women to stigmatising material and interactions. Signposting by abortion services towards well-moderated and trustworthy online resources could be constructive in limiting exposure to stigma and misinformation, while allowing those seeking it to access better support.
| Item Type: | Articles |
|---|---|
| Additional Information: | This research was supported by a PhD studentship from the Medical Research Council. Lisa McDaid and Ruth Lewis were supported by the United Kingdom Medical Research Council [grant codes MC_UU_12017/11, MC_UU_00022/3], and the Scottish Government Chief Scientist Office [grant codes SPHSU11, SPHSU18]. |
| Status: | Early Online Publication |
| Refereed: | Yes |
| Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | McDaid, Professor Lisa and Wilson-Lowe, Rachel and Purcell, Dr Carrie and Lewis, Dr Ruth |
| Authors: | Wilson-Lowe, R. V., Purcell, C., Lewis, R., and McDaid, L. |
| College/School: | College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU College of Social Sciences |
| Journal Name: | BMJ Sexual and Reproductive Health |
| Publisher: | BMJ Publishing Group |
| ISSN: | 2515-1991 |
| ISSN (Online): | 2515-2009 |
| Published Online: | 09 February 2024 |
| Copyright Holders: | Copyright © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2024. |
| First Published: | First published in BMJ Sexual and Reproductive Health 2024 |
| Publisher Policy: | Reproduced under a Creative Commons license |
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