Learning Objective #1: State potential barriers that exist in clients' receiving and utilizing health care services after an abortion in the Philippines

Learning Objective #2: State possible cultural issues to explore further that may be influencing clients' lack of utilization of health care services post-abortion in the Philippines

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Induced abortion is generally restricted in the Philippines, although it may be permitted to save the mother's life. The stigma associated with abortion often outweighs the perceived need to seek professional medical care. The goals of this study are: 1) to describe women's abortion experiences (spontaneous or induced); 2) to obtain a profile of women who have undergone induced abortion; 3) to determine the number of women who used health care services (HCS) post-abortion (PA); 4) to know the types of health care services provided to a PA client; 5) to determine the clients' reasons for not seeking and/or receiving medical treatment; 6) to determine the women's reasons for induced abortion; 7) to describe women's feelings and coping strategies PA; and 8) to describe the women's perceived needs from HCS. Forty-two clients in two villages in Bacolod City, Negros were interviewed in-depth. Most respondents were 38-40 years old, married, high school educated, unemployed, Roman Catholic, had three or four biological children and her husband/male partner living at home. Over half (54.8%) reported experiencing induced abortion, 47.8% of who reported professional medical treatment PA. Of all the respondents, 50% went to a hospital or private clinic PA (either induced or spontaneous), and 58.3% of them reported no other services offered such as PA counseling, family planning, and reproductive health education. Unwanted pregnancy and economic/financial reasons were the most common reasons for the induced abortions. Most of the women stated that they “relaxed” to cope PA. Most respondents perceived they needed medications and education PA from HCS. Health resources accessibility needs improvement. Health care providers need training in PA care. Findings show a need for community education on abortion, and family planning/contraceptive options. Policy makers, health care providers, and the community need to confront the growing incidence of unsafe clandestine abortions.