Breaking the Silence: Unveiling Healthcare Providers’ Attitudes and Perceptions towards Abortion and Their Knowledge of Abortion Laws in Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Abortion, a common gynecological procedure, is often stigmatized, affecting healthcare providers' attitudes and practices. These professionals are key to delivering abortion services, post-abortion care, and reproductive healthcare. Their understanding of abortion laws and attitudes toward the procedure significantly impact their approach to reducing maternal morbidity and mortality, as well as complications from unsafe procedures

Objectives:This study aims to investigate the attitudes, perceptions, and knowledge of healthcare providers regarding abortion and its legal framework.

Methodology: This was a descriptive study conducted between July to December 2021, in various obstetrics Gynecology facilities of Karachi using survey questionnaire enquiring about knowledge, attitude, belief towards abortion and knowledge of abortion laws in Pakistan.

Results: The data was analyzed by SPSS version 22.0. Ninety obstetrician and gynecologists participated in the survey from different healthcare facilities in Karachi. Survey shows that only n=27 (30%) of the respondents demonstrated awareness between abortion and miscarriage, while n=60 (66.7%) knew about the global prevalence of abortion and n=69 (76%) of the participants were aware of the global burden of the maternal deaths from unsafe abortion. Significant finding was that n=78 (86%) of participants were not aware of abortion laws in Pakistan. Conclusion: The study shows limited knowledge of healthcare providers regarding current abortion laws and clinical guidelines.