I Poems on Abortion: Women’s Experiences With Terminating Their Pregnancies for Medical Reasons

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to highlight the individual voices of women who terminated their pregnancies for medical reasons (TFMR). The literature points to difficult emotional experiences for women who have experienced TFMR. However, research on women’s stories concerning the entire TFMR process is limited. Written narratives from women in the United States who have experienced TFMR were analyzed using the Listening Guide. Findings suggest that women who experience TFMR go through a distinct emotional journey that evolves from feelings of excitement, to shock, then devastation, a sense that they made a compassionate choice, and, finally, gratitude.

Keywords:

• I poems
• listening guide
• late-term abortion
• pregnancy
• prenatal diagnosis