Women's experience of viewing the products of conception after an abortion.

BACKGROUND

The objectives of this study were to assess perceptions of women viewing the products of conception after abortion and to assess the feasibility of offering this choice.

STUDY DESIGN

Women presenting for abortion at two abortion clinics were given a questionnaire asking if they wished to view the products of conception. A second questionnaire was given to women who had viewed products of conception about their perceptions. Clinic staff members were interviewed after completion of the study.

RESULTS

The study revealed that 152/508 (28.7%) of women having abortions chose to view the products of conception and 98/122 (83.1%) found that viewing did not make it harder emotionally. Older women and those who had children were less likely to want to view products of conception (p=.037) and more likely to find it harder if they did (p=.05). All 11 clinic staff members interviewed were positive about offering this service.

CONCLUSIONS

It is feasible to offer women having abortions the choice to view the products of conception and for most, viewing does not make it emotionally harder for them.