Lived experiences of women who have undergone unsafe abortion in Baakokrom in the New Juaben South Municipality

Abstract

Abortions done through crude methods present higher chances of complications. The purpose of the study was to explore the lived experiences of women who have undergone unsafe abortion in relation to their sexual health, socio-cultural life and economic life in Baakokrom in the New Juaben South Municipality. The study employed a phenomenological research design, and a purposive sampling technique was used to get targeted women who have undergone unsafe abortions living in Baakokrom. Self-administered, semi-structured interview guides were used as the instrument to collect data for the study which involved ten participants. The finding reveals that women were ignorant of the usage of contraceptives, leading to unplanned pregnancies. Sexual health experiences revealed that participants who used traditional herbs and concoctions did not have a negative influence on childbirth and sexual activeness. The study also found out abortion stigma is not concentrated on only sociocultural influences but also is deep-rooted in government and political backgrounds. With respect to economic experiences, the study indicated that employed women have lost strength due to abnormal abdominal pain. This has led to a reduction in productivity leading to low income levels making them continuously depend on men. The study recommended that there should be massive education on contraceptive use, reproductive health and abortion laws. Also young girls should be encouraged to attend school to reduce unplanned pregnancy in the area.