Experiences of medical mistreatment and mistrust are associated with increased likelihood of having ever considered self-managing an abortion

Published November 30, 2024

New research finds that individuals that have experienced medical mistreatment or feel that they cannot trust healthcare providers are more likely to have ever considered self-managing an abortion.

Findings: Self Managed Abortions and Medical Mistrust and Mistreatment

5.2% of ever pregnant self-identified women ages 15–49 had ever considered SMA.
38.8% previously found it moderately difficult to trust providers and 22.2% had experienced ridicule or humiliation in a previous healthcare encounter.
Self-reported experiences of medical mistrust or humiliation and ridicule were associated with ever considering SMA.
Structurally marginalized participants, people who experienced poverty in their youth, or identified with a sexual or gender minoritized group, were also more likely to consider SMA.

Implications: How Does Medical Mistrust Impact Self Managed Abortion? 

This study is the first to consider the association between medical mistrust and mistreatment and consideration of self managed abortion. The findings emphasize the importance of creating public health policies and practices that prioritize strengthening and building mutual trust between the patient and provider, rather than criminalizing healthcare. Findings further highlight the potential benefit of expansion of community-based care, such as doulas and/or midwives, that may help structurally marginalized groups navigate through their past experiences of mistreatment.

The researchers write:

“[I]t is of the utmost importance to ensure providers treat patients with respect and dignity in all circumstances, including in abortion care.”

The article, The association of experiences of medical mistrust and mistreatment and ever considering self-managing an abortion, is available in Contraception.

Areas of Research