Restrictive abortion laws and regulations increase women’s vulnerability to maternal morbidity and mortality. This qualitative study explored perceptions of abortion, factors shaping induced abortion decisions, as well as experienced and perceived consequences among university students and staff in Tanzania. Fifteen semistructured interviews were conducted between December 2023 and January 2024. Data was analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Abortion was widely framed as morally wrong, sinful, and shameful, but also as a response to stigma, financial insecurity, precarious relationships, and a threat to education. Participants described psychological distress, moral pain, stigma, and social isolation as the consequences of abortion. We recommend that post-abortion care prioritize psychosocial and counseling support.
Meena et al. (Wed,) studied this question.