A Qualitative Exploration of a Six-Week Abortion Ban in Georgia Pubblico
Verma, Nisha (Summer 2021)
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To gain a deeper understanding of opinions on abortion and early abortion bans, focusing on the complex underpinnings that shape these views.
STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured Zoom interviews with residents of Georgia’s 6th Congressional District. Potential participants first completed a screening tool to allow for recruitment of people who demonstrated internal conflict around abortion based on their answers to two abortion questions on a 5-point Likert scale. The interviews focused on participants’ thoughts and feelings on abortion and Georgia’s six-week abortion ban. We transcribed, coded, and analyzed the interviews, and are presenting a subset of our themes.
RESULTS: We interviewed 28 people from March to May 2020. Many interviewees discussed feeling alienated by the polarizing nature of public discourse around abortion. They described personally experiencing internal conflict around abortion, which often emerged as they attempted to reconcile their own values with what they thought should be regulated for others. Participants described feeling like others approached abortion decisions too casually, and described the value of early abortion bans in acting as a deterrent to irresponsible behavior. Limited pregnancy literacy also affected participants’ understanding and support of early abortion bans. Finally, many people described the shifting of their abortion opinions, which was often motivated by their own experiences, the experiences of those around them, and learning about different perspectives.
CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that shifts in abortion opinions frequently occur. By conveying the thoughtfulness and intentionality with which many people seek and provide abortion, addressing limited pregnancy literacy among the general public, and validating areas of internal conflict, we invite people to exit the polarization and embrace their own complex views.
IMPLICATIONS: More research is needed to better understand people’s feelings about and areas of internal conflict around abortion and early abortion bans. With this understanding, we can potentially communicate more effectively about these issues with the general public.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction and Statement of the Problem and Purpose
Introduction and Rationale
Problem Statement
Theoretical Framework
Research Question and Purpose Statement
Significance Statement
Definition of Terms
Chapter 2: Literature Review
Abortion in the US
Impact of Legislation on Abortion in the US
Accessing Abortion in Georgia
Abortion Knowledge and Opinions
Chapter 3. Methodology
Introduction
Population and Sample
Research Design and Procedures
Analysis
Chapter 4. Results
Introduction
Screening Tool Results
Interview Sample Characteristics
Major Interview Themes
Summary of Findings
Chapter 5. Discussion
Introduction and Summary of Study
Discussion Screening Tool Results
Discussion of Interview Results
Strengths and Limitations
Implications, Recommendations, and Conclusions
References
Appendix 1. Example Social Media Recruitment Advertisements
Appendix 2. Screening Tool
Appendix 3. Participant Interview Guide
Appendix 4. Informed Consent Form
Appendix 5. Code Book
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