Det komplexa beslutet

: Kvinnors emotionella upplevelser före och efter inducerad abort

Abstract

Background: In Sweden, abortion has been legal since 1975, giving women the right to make the abortion decision herself until pregnancy week 18. Every year, 30 - 40 000 abortions are conducted in Sweden. The abortion experience can be emotionally difficult for many women, but varies depending on the women’s life situation. Purpose: Describe women’s emotional experiences before and after an induced abortion. Method: A literature review of fifteen qualitative articles was made. They were analyzed and quality assessed. Data collection was conducted through searches in the databases PsychInfo, PsychArticles, PubMed and Cinahl. Results: Women's emotional experiences in the abortion decision and the support she receives in relation to abortion, affect her continued life in varying degrees. Women expressed that the support they received in connection with the abortion were inadequate. Conclusion: In order to spare women suffering over a long period of time, there is a need to develop the support women receive in abortion situations. The nurse should be aware of women's complex experiences in order to give women the support they need.