Voluntary Interruption of Pregnancy: Experience of a group of Colombian women

Abstract

Introduction: Abortion continues to be a complex issue that generates debate due
to the lack of consensus among national and international authorities. However,
recently, several nations have made legislative changes that reduce or eliminate
legal penalties, highlighting the need to understand, from the perspective of
women, the experiences derived from this procedure. Objectives: To understand
the experiences of a group of Colombian women who requested voluntary
termination of pregnancy (VTP). Methods: Qualitative ethnographic study using the
ethnonursing method. Semi-structured in-depth interviews and a field diary were
used to collect information. Results: A total of 20 women who had requested a VTP
in a clinic specialized in sexual and reproductive health participated. Four categories
emerged that summarize the experience of the participants, described by them
as a difficult event, mediated mainly by the fear of social stigma. Conclusions: With
the decriminalization of abortion in Colombia within defined time frames, women
perceive fewer barriers to accessing a VTP. Participants describe it as a moment of
great social fear and a significant experience in their lives.