Story Circles and abortion stigma in Mexico

A mixed-methods evaluation of a new intervention for reducing individual level abortion stigma

Bibliographic Data

ID15097883
AuthorsMadeleine Belfrage (0000-0001-5331-3690, Equidad de Género, Ciudadanía, Trabajo y Familia A.C., Mexico City, Mexico, corresponding author), Olivia Ortíz Ramírez (Acompañamiento después de un Aborto Seguro (ADAS), Guadalajara, Mexico), Annik Sorhaindo (0000-0002-1523-7794, Independent Consultant in Reproductive and Sexual Health, Mexico City, Mexico)
Year2020
Volume22
Issue1
Pages96-111
Publication date2020-01-02
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueCulture Health & Sexuality (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1369-1058 • E-ISSN: 1464-5351
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/13691058.2019.1577493
PMID30931806
OpenAlexW2934571573
LanguageEN
Citations received9
References cited28

This study presents the results of an evaluation of a Story Circles intervention to reduce individual level abortion stigma among women who have experienced abortion in Mexico. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study explored whether participation in the intervention reduced 18 women's experience of stigma one month after having participated. The study used the Individual Level Abortion Stigma Scale (ILAS Scale), qualitative interviews and focus groups to gain an understanding of women's experiences of the intervention and any changes in stigmatising feelings. Findings suggest that the Story Circles offered women a place to talk about their abortion in an affirmative and supportive environment, unlike the context of their daily lives where stigma generated silence and affected their well-being. Participants were able to build trust, share their experiences, create connections and transform their perception of their abortion from a negative experience to one that was empowering and life-affirming. This also led to other significant positive changes in their lives. The paper offers recommendations about programme and intervention design and implementation for practitioners working to reduce individual level stigma among women who have experienced abortion

Abortion · Feeling · Focus group · Pregnancy · Psychiatry · Qualitative research · Sociology · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · Clinical Psychology · Global Maternal and Child Health · Medicine · Psychology · Reproductive Health and Contraception · Social Psychology

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