“Instead of killing myself, I would rather go for it”: Abortion experiences among adolescent girls and young women in low-income communities of Ibadan, Nigeria

Olutoyin O. Ikuteyijo, Akanni I. Akinyemi, Akinrinola Bankole

Abstract

This qualitative study aimed to explore the abortion experiences, including abortion decision-making and pathways to obtain abortions, as well as post-abortion experiences among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) living in low-income communities in Oyo State, Nigeria. We conducted 27 in-depth interviews (IDI) and 8 focus group discussions (FGD) with AGYW aged 15-24 who had experienced an abortion in the past one to two years in two Local Government Areas (LGA). All interviews were recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed thematically. AGYW reported that the abortion experience involves giving up one’s life, as they were not sure of the aftermath of the process. They recounted the fears of stigma, financial constraints, and secrecy around abortion (as most were living with parents or foster parents). Despite their concerns, they relied on social networks, like friends and older colleagues for referral recommendations to supposedly safe abortion providers for procurement. Community education on safe abortion is important in low-income communities to prevent unsafe abortion practices among AGYW. (Afr J Reprod Health 2024; 28 [3s]: 57-67).

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