Induced abortion at the interface of the health and law

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the beliefs of health and law professionals regarding induced abortion, through qualitative research. Therefore, we interviewed 15 health professionals (doctors, nurses and psychologists), as well as 10 law professionals (prosecutors and judges). The interviews were operationalized based on categories, processed in a series of step. Thus, the speeches of the participants were grouped in two categories: attitude and legal aspects. The beliefs contrary to the decriminalization of the practice focused on heteronomy and sacredness of life. The beliefs in favor were, in turn, anchored in the perspective of reproductive and sexual rights, reducing risk and damage and the power of women over their own body. Regarding the legal aspects, it was found that the jurists had a more rigid position on punishing women who practice abortion. Although there is legislation on the subject and technical standards of humanized care to abortion, the discussions do not end on a legal standpoint but, in contrast, cover a wide range of beliefs, which can guide the actions of the professionals, both in the health care of women and the interpretation of their rights.