# Iranian Women’s Experiences of Unintended Pregnancy and Induced Abortion: A Meta-Synthesis Study

## TL;DR

This study explores the experiences of Iranian women facing unintended pregnancies and abortions, highlighting cultural, social, and economic influences on their decisions.

## Contribution

The study provides a meta-synthesis of qualitative data to reveal new insights into the decision-making processes of Iranian women regarding unintended pregnancies.

## Key findings

- Two main themes emerged: facing unintended pregnancy and the decision-making process.
- Key sub-themes included emotional fluctuations, societal norms, and psychosocial conflicts in decision-making.
- The study emphasizes the need for tailored interventions to reduce stigma and improve reproductive health policies.

## Abstract

Despite substantial advancements in reproductive health, unintended pregnancy remains a significant public health challenge in Iran. Qualitative studies revealed profound cultural and social complexities surrounding this issue. This study aimed to synthesize the experiences of Iranian women regarding unintended pregnancy and abortion by examining the interplay of cultural, social, economic, and individual factors.

A meta-synthesis of qualitative studies published between 2004 and 2024 in Persian and English was conducted. A comprehensive search of Scopus, MEDLINE/PubMed Central, Cochrane CENTRAL, ProQuest, Google Scholar, and Iranian databases (SID, Iranmedex, Magiran) was performed using keywords related to unintended pregnancy, induced abortion, and qualitative studies.

The initial search identified 7,839articles. After screening for relevance, 22 qualitative studies were selected for analysis, encompassing data from 626 individual interviews and 36 focus group discussions. The analysis yielded two main themes and seven sub-themes: 1) Facing an unintended pregnancy (emotional fluctuations, societal norms, and access to health services), and 2) The decision-making process surrounding unintended pregnancies (avoidance reactions, socio-economic factors, psychosocial conflicts in decision-making, and beliefs about maternal roles and fetal life preservation).

Unintended pregnancy poses a serious public health challenge, imposing significant economic, social, and psychological burdens. Synthesizing qualitative evidence on women’s decision-making processes is crucial for developing tailored interventions. Policymakers should implement strategies to reduce social stigma through public education and awareness campaigns.