查看文章

CONTEXT: Few studies have explored clinicians' roles in the abortion experience in Ghana. Examining how clinicians understand conscientious objection to abortion—the right to refuse to provide legal abortion on the basis of moral or personal beliefs—may provide insight that could help manage the practice.

METHODS: Eight in-depth interviews and four focus group discussions were conducted with 14 doctors and 20 midwives in health facilities in Ghana's Eastern and Volta Regions in May 2018. The semi-structured interview guides covered such topics as clinicians' understanding of conscientious objection, how it is practiced and the consequences of conscientious objection for providers and clients. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS: Most clinicians did not understand the term “conscientious objection,” and midwives had more knowledge on the subject than doctors. The main reasons …