Defining Abortion-Related Stigma Abortion-related stigma is a complex, multifaceted phenomenon rooted in moral, religious, and social judgments that characterize the termination of pregnancy as inherently wrong, shameful, or indicative of personal failure. Drawing upon the foundational work of Erving Goffman, stigma generally refers to an attribute that is deeply discrediting, reducing the bearer from a […]
Defining Abortion Stigma and Its Conceptual Framework Abortion stigma constitutes a complex societal phenomenon rooted in the disapproval, devaluation, and rejection of individuals who seek, undergo, or provide abortion services. Conceptually, it aligns closely with Erving Goffman’s foundational work on stigma, representing a deeply discrediting attribute that fundamentally alters how an individual is perceived and […]
Introduction to the Societal Context of Abortion Providers The role of physicians who provide abortion services is uniquely situated at the highly charged intersection of medicine, morality, law, and politics, resulting in deeply divergent public attitudes. Unlike almost any other medical specialization, the practice of abortion provision often subjects the practitioner to intense public scrutiny, […]