Abstract

LAMAS, Marta. Between the stigma and the law: Legal abortion in Mexico City. Salud pública Méx [online]. 2014, vol.56, n.1, pp.56-62. ISSN 0036-3634.

The present contribution is part of a research developed with qualitative social research methods. It offers part of the results attained in a study performed at a clinic belonging to Mexico City´s Government, and explores the effects on staff of the implementation of Legal Pregnancy Termination (ILE, for its initials in Spanish). The results highlights that, besides diminishing health risks in the women who abort, the use of misoprostol prompted assertive attitudes in many women, that reduced the negative effects produced by the stigma of abortion. It also acknowledges the persistence of stigma in the opinions of the health personnel. The empowering of the self-image of women who become subject to this procedure is due to the full exercise of their legal right.

Keywords : legal abortion; attitude of women patients; opinions of health personnel; misoprostol.

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