The roots of social perceptions on abortion in Brazil

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7213/psicolargum.42.119.AO05

Abstract

Unsafe abortion is one of the leading causes of maternal death in countries like Brazil. However, legal and social barriers, such as criminalization and social judgment, respectively, are still observed in many countries. In addition to exacerbating socioeconomic and gender inequalities, the prohibition of safe pregnancy termination can cause severe physical and mental health damage to women who are legally prohibited and socially stigmatized in Brazil. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the factors contributing to the prejudice and discrimination faced by women who choose to terminate an unwanted pregnancy. To this end, a cross-sectional survey (n = 308) was conducted, in which questionnaires with sociodemographic and health questions, the Values and Beliefs about Sexuality, Motherhood, and Abortion Questionnaire, and questions regarding opinions and social perceptions about spontaneous and induced abortion were applied. The results indicated that sociodemographic factors, such as gender, age, and religiosity, as well as personal proximity to abortion, significantly predict judgment and negative attitudes toward women's decision to terminate an unwanted pregnancy. The findings highlight that, in addition to the influence of historical factors, empathy may also be a determinant of social perception of abortion, as individuals more distant from this medical procedure tend to be more opposed to its practice.

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Published

2024-12-04

How to Cite

Fonseca, N. da F., Santos, D. B., & Centurion Cabral, J. (2024). The roots of social perceptions on abortion in Brazil. Psicologia Argumento, 42(119). https://doi.org/10.7213/psicolargum.42.119.AO05