Motives and circumstances surrounding induced abortion among women living with HIV in Brazil

• Published in: Ciência & saude coletiva Vol. 17; no. 7; p. 1709
• Main Authors: Villela, Wilza Vieira, Barbosa, Regina Maria, Portella, Ana Paula, de Oliveira, Luzia Aparecida
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Portuguese
• Published: Brazil 01.07.2012
• Subjects: Abortion, Induced - psychology; Abortion, Induced - statistics & numerical data; Adolescent; Adult; Brazil; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Middle Aged; Motivation; Pregnancy; Young Adult; Brazil
• DOI: 10.1590/S1413-81232012000700009

The impact of HIV/AIDS infection on the decision of women living with HIV/AIDS to interrupt a pregnancy remains an understudied topic. In an effort to understand the influence of HIV/AIDS diagnosis on abortion practices, a qualitative study was carried out in seven Brazilian municipalities with women living with HIV/AIDS who reported inducing an abortion at some point in their lives. This study presents the analysis of interviews with thirty women who became pregnant after diagnosis. The results show that for some women, infection was the primary motive for terminating their pregnancy, while for others, the motives for abortion were predominantly related to life circumstances. The decision to abort due to HIV infection is not the same for all women. It is related to the timing of the diagnosis and other aspects of the woman's life during her pregnancy, such as the relationship with her partner, her job and family support. The results suggest the need for more attention from health services to the reproductive decisions of women living with HIV/Aids; the incorporation of men into sexual and reproductive health prevention actions; and a deeper discussion of the illegality of abortion in Brazil and its harmful consequences for women, men, and children.