Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

• Nayereh Ahmadi ¹
• Touba Shakeri Golpaygani ²
• Shohre Rowshani ³
• Maryam Jamali ⁴

¹ PhD Candidate, Department of Women Studies, Humanities Faculty, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.

² Associate Professor, Department of Women Studies, Humanities Faculty, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.

³ Assistant Professor, Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences and Economics, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran.

⁴ Assistant Professor, Department of Women Studies, Humanities Faculty, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

Women are subjected to distressing circumstances during the decision-making process and in the post-abortion period as a result of intentional abortion. The objective of this investigation is to ascertain the coping mechanisms that women employ when confronted with the consequences of intentional abortion. Using a descriptive phenomenological approach, in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 40 women who had experienced intentional abortion in Alborz Province in 2024. The findings of this study indicate that women implement a variety of coping strategies when confronted with intentional abortions. These strategies can be classified into four primary approaches: “protective-restorative actions,” “moral reckoning,” “justification-building,” and “comprehensive avoidance.” The “justification-building” approach integrates rational, religious, and social arguments to transform abortion from a stigma to a legitimate and inevitable decision within specific life circumstances. The “comprehensive avoidance” approach serves as a defensive mechanism, employing cognitive-emotional strategies to alleviate the psychological burden of this decision. The “moral reckoning” approach is indicative of the critical reflection and reevaluation of this experience within the context of women’s personal value systems. Finally, “protective-restorative actions” illustrate systematic endeavors to mitigate the repercussions by implementing compensatory and preventative measures. Collectively, these strategies symbolize women’s endeavors to preserve psychosocial equilibrium within the existing cultural, social, and religious context. An evidence framework for the development of comprehensive reproductive policies and targeted psychological interventions in Alborz Province can be established by the study's findings. Such initiatives have the potential to prevent intentional abortions and reduce their negative psychosocial consequences by incorporating the adaptive strategies identified in counseling services.

Keywords

• Descriptive Phenomenology
• Intentional Abortion Experience
• Women’s Coping Strategies

Main Subjects

• Women's Studies