Barriers in Women’s Trajectories to Abortion Care in Flanders, Belgium: A Quantitative Study
Methods: A structured survey was completed by 420 women presenting for abortion at five (Dutch-speaking) abortion centers in Belgium. Bivariate analyses examined differences in the duration of abortion trajectories and associations with experienced barriers were assessed.
Results: Preliminary results reveal that around 36% of the respondents weren’t able to recognize the symptoms they experienced as pregnancy symptoms and 32% didn’t experience any typical pregnancy symptoms. Strikingly, 9% incorrectly believed they weren’t able to get pregnant. 22% reported that it was difficult for them to pay for a pregnancy test. More than 30% consulted a/their GP before they contacted the abortion center. Although on average the choice for abortion is already fully determined at the time of the initial consultation, about 55% of respondents indicated that it was still a difficult choice to make. About 40% report feeling ashamed for (considering) choosing abortion and an equal number of women report being disappointed in themselves for this reason. Around 20% indicated they felt pressured to make a certain decision. Fear of the procedure and associated pain was also seen by 38% of respondents as a major barrier. Also, 22% needed to travel a long distance to the clinic which complicated their trajectory.
Conclusion: This study highlights the multifaceted barriers women face along their trajectories to abortion care in Flanders, Belgium. The results underscore the need for improved accessibility to abortion care, enhanced reproductive health education, and supportive policies that address both the psychological and practical barriers in obtaining abortion care.