Title:
Barriers and Facilitators in the Health System Influencing Access to Safe Abortion Care in South Africa: A framework Analysis of the Existing Literature
Authors:
Abdul, Isabel Emília Remane
Place:
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Publisher:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute , VU - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Year:
2023
PAGE:
viii, 38
Language:
En
Subject:
Maternal Health – Lessons Learned
Keywords:
Abortion, health system, barriers, South Africa, WHO guidelines
Abstract:
Background: Despite the progressive legal framework in South Africa, access to abortion services remains difficult for women. The barriers to accessing abortion services are complex and include fragilities in the health system. The aim of this thesis is to identify the main barriers and facilitators in the health system influencing access to abortion care in South Africa. Methods: To respond to the thesis objectives, a literature review was conducted. Advanced research for scientific articles was conducted on the PubMed database and Google Scholar. All the searches took place from July 2022 to February 2023. The analysis was carried out using the conceptual framework for abortion care developed by the World Health Organization. Results: The barriers found included provider-related factors such as stigma and objection to rendering services, a lack of staff, the unavailability of services, and a lack of commodities and effective chain supply management. The facilitators identified were a legal framework, a national guideline for termination of pregnancy, a clear pathway for abortion care, a referral system, and abortion services provided at no cost. Conclusion: The framework identified both barriers and facilitators, although barriers were more prominent. Barriers were found on the pathway for abortion care at the level of health providers, type of services provided, and how services are delivered. The health system needs adjustments in relation to the health workforce and their attitudes, commodities, and supply chain to create an enabling environment for comprehensive abortion care and meet women’s needs and preferences.
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute , VU - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Institute:
KIT (Royal Tropical Institute)
Country:
South Africa
Region:
Southern Africa
Training:
Master of Science in International Health
Category:
Research
Right:
@ 2023 Abdul
Document type:
Thesis/dissertation
File:
QZXckaClRJ_20231105123413509.pdf