Experiences of women accessing an abortion clinic confronted by religiously motivated demonstrators: a pilot study

Objectives: Although abortion is legal in Austria, women are frequently confronted by religiously motivated demonstrators when accessing an abortion. The current study assessed women's experiences in this situation. Methods: Between 2006 and 2010, data were collected from women seeking an abortion who had been approached by demonstrators in front of an abortion clinic. A qualitative content method, descriptive statistics and formal regression analysis were used to examine the data. Results: Participants comprised 98 women, aged 12-47 years. Overall, 91% said their decision was not influenced by the demonstrators, 17% reported feeling threatened, and 93% supported a legal ban on what they perceived as harassment. Conclusion: The demonstrators' behaviour did not influence or change the women's abortion decision. The women reported the activists' behaviour as harassment. Further, the vast majority would support enhanced legal protection for women entering an abortion clinic, to minimise the psychological and physical stress. Future research should explore how such bans could support women and improve their experience at the time of abortion.