Title

Physicians And Abortion: Provision, Political Participation And Conflicts On The Ground—The Cases Of Brazil And Poland

Abstract

Abortion is highly restricted in both Poland and Brazil, two different geopolitical settings in which the Catholic Church has had a significant political influence. Yet, struggles for abortion rights have played an important role in challenging the current restrictive policies and bringing attention to the plight of women unable to obtain abortions. This article examines the political role that physicians play in these contestations and argues that providers’ perspectives and practices not only reflect or heed religious precepts on reproductive rights, but are also deeply influenced by inadequate medical training and by the fear of being prosecuted or stigmatized, especially in Brazil. The political nonengagement of physicians in Poland is driven by the lack of abortion rights discourse in the public arena, poor links with women's rights groups, and the lack of political unity within the medical community. Comparisons between Brazil and Poland ultimately suggest that strong liaisons between physicians and the feminist movement influence physicians’ attitudes and political engagement and are most promising in abortion rights advocacy efforts.

Publication Date

5-1-2011

Publication Title

Women's Health Issues

Volume

21

Issue

3

Number of Pages

S32-S36

Document Type

Article

Personal Identifier

scopus

DOI Link

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.whi.2011.01.006

Socpus ID

79955730522 (Scopus)

Source API URL

https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/79955730522

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