Citation

Rodriguez K, Strickler J. Women Health 1999; 28(3): 59-76.

Affiliation

United Nations.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1999, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

10374808

Abstract

This report details in-depth interviews with 10 clandestine abortion providers in Latin American cities. The introduction notes that unsafe abortion is thought to cause 24% of maternal deaths in Latin America and is known to strain public health resources. Because most of the abortions occur in women with children, the high mortality rate causes adverse effects in surviving children. Efforts to redress this situation have focused on reducing the number of unwanted pregnancies by providing high quality contraceptive services, improving postabortion health care, and changing the legal prohibition on abortion. The article continues by discussing the factors that led the abortion providers to begin their clandestine work, such as experiencing a sense that they were called to help women in this way, a personal experience with abortion, and a commitment to social change. Next, the article considers the major difficulties this work causes in the personal and professional lives of providers as they deal with a lack of medical support; the need for secrecy; and threats of violence, extortion, and prosecution. Finally, the article reviews what gives the providers satisfaction in their work, such as the feeling that they are saving women's lives and empowering women while meeting a challenge.

Language: en