“I felt singled out, a bad mother, a bad woman”: Exploring violence in abortion trajectories in Uruguay 10 years after legal reform

Abstract

In contexts of evolving legal frameworks like Uruguay, reproductive rights and access to abortion services hold paramount importance in public health and human rights discourse. Despite progressive legislative measures aimed at safeguarding reproductive autonomy and addressing obstetric violence, there remains a significant research gap concerning the lived experiences of individuals accessing abortion services post-legal reform. This study contributes to the literature by investigating the trajectories of abortion access and identifying potential instances of obstetric violence within Uruguay's healthcare system. Using qualitative interviews with key informants and a quantitative survey conducted between January and February 2023, the research explores individuals' experiences in accessing abortion services, including interactions with medical professionals, waiting periods, pain management strategies, and information dissemination. By exploring people’s experiences of obstetric violence during abortion, this study sheds light on the critical need to transform the system to ensure the rights and dignity of individuals throughout the abortion care continuum in Uruguay.