This qualitative research study aims to explore the roles of abortion doulas in providing care and their impact on women’s abortion outcomes. Through 20 semi-structured interviews with individuals who have utilized the services of abortion doulas, the study seeks to document and analyze the specific support provided by these doulas and the resulting effects on women’s physical and emotional health.
Abortion doulas offer non-medical support, including emotional reassurance, informational guidance, and physical comfort before, during, and after the abortion procedure. This study will investigate the various ways doulas fulfill these roles and how their presence influences women’s experiences and outcomes. By conducting in-depth interviews, the research will capture personal narratives and detailed accounts of women’s interactions with their doulas.
The semi-structured interview format allows for flexibility, enabling participants to share their unique experiences while ensuring that key topics are covered. These topics include the nature of support provided, the perceived benefits and challenges of having a doula, and the overall impact on emotional well-being, stress levels, and satisfaction with the abortion process.
Ultimately, this research will contribute valuable insights to the field of reproductive health, potentially informing policies and practices to better integrate doula support into abortion care services, ensuring holistic and compassionate care for women undergoing abortions.