Abortion is a universal practice that has existed for several centuries. Throughout history, abortion has taken various cultural, social, and political contexts. The views on abortion vary from one individual to another. In the Caribbean, abortion is a controversial issue that has been outlawed in some states and liberalized in other states. There are various arguments for allowing the practice, while some people argue against the procedure. Having a world view when working with clients who are contemplating abortion is important. This helps in informing the best approaches to use to ensure the client gets the best care. The effects of abortion vary depending on how they impact the individual. Some individuals experience positive effects while others experience negative effects, which all affect the community and the patient's family uniquely.
In the Caribbean, the abortion laws are derived from the region's inherited colonial laws. These laws range from liberal to most restrictive laws in the world and have played a significant role in fostering the exiting attitudes and arguments on the issue (Guillaume, Rossier, & Reeve, 2018). Some people argue that abortion is an illegal practice that has been forbidden; therefore, it is a taboo to be involved in the practice (Pheterson & Azize, 2005). Some are against the practice because they are Christian and view the practice to be an act of killing. Those in support of the practice argue that abortion should be permitted if the pregnancy is a risk to the mother's life or if it was a result of rape (Guillaume, Rossier, & Reeve, 2018). Others support the procedure if there is fetal impairment or a case of incest. Others acknowledge that it is a needed service for women, while some argue that abortion should be the last option when the woman has heavy social reasons (Pheterson & Azize, 2005). Others argue that it is a woman's right to choose what she wants to be done on her body, while others argue that it is inhumane to let women get backstreet abortions because they risk becoming sick with sepsis or end up being infertile.
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It is important to have a world view when working with clients who are contemplating abortion. My worldview would influence the way I work with this client as I believe that a woman is entitled to safe and legal abortion, as part of her human rights. This is a view that is supported by numerous international treaties that seek to foster an individual's rights and freedoms (Center for Reproductive Rights, 2014). I believe in letting women choose their fate when it comes to matters of their bodies. I also believe that before one makes up their mind on whether they will have an abortion, they need to be made aware of all the options that they could take. This will ensure that the client is well informed before making their decision. I also believe that abortion is a form of healthcare just like any other; thus, clients should never be stigmatized for opting for the procedure (Center for Reproductive Rights, 2014). This will influence how I work with the patient as I will ensure the client gets the best practice in service delivery. If the client still decides on going forth with the procedure, I will ensure that the client gets the best care before, during, and after the procedure to ensure she remains healthy and her fertility is not jeopardized.
The effects of abortion could result in dire impacts for the patient, her family, and the community. The individual could suffer serious complications such as sepsis, which may lead to damaged organ systems or experience psychological side effects like guilt and decreased self-esteem that, if not remedied, could result in depression (Pourreza, & Batebi, 2011). On the other hand, the patient could also have a positive impact by undergoing the procedure. They may be able to achieve their life aspirations and meet their goals, such as completing their education or focusing on their employment (Upadhyay, Biggs, & Foster, 2015). The family of the patient may face stigma as they will be associated with the patient. This is especially if their community is Christian meaning, they will be pro-life and may view the client and her family negatively believing she has committed murder. If the patient develops negative impacts, the family could also have to bear the financial burden as they try to help her with the hospital bills. The community could be affected positively if the client has positive impacts after their procedure. They could engage in economic activities within the community that will boost the community's economy (Bernstein & Jones, 2019). The community could also benefit from mitigating the number of unwanted children or dependents.
Abortion in the Caribbean is a controversial issue that different individuals have unique perspectives. Some of the main arguments against practice include the Christian view that abortion is committing murder and the idea that it is a taboo because it is an illegal practice in the country. Proponents of the practice argue for abortion in instances where the client was raped, or the pregnancy was a result of incest. Others support it if it will cause a risk to the mother or if there are fetal complications. Having a worldview is important as it helps in ensuring the client gets the best care if they decide on getting the abortion. Abortion could result in numerous negative and positive effects on the individual, family, and community.
References
Bernstein, A., & Jones, K. (2019). The Economic Effects of Abortion Access: A Review of the Evidence. Report, Center On The Economics Of Reproductive Health, Reproductive Health & Rights. https://iwpr.org/publications/economic-effects-abortion-access-report/
Center for Reproductive Rights. (2014). A global view of abortion rights. https://www.reproductiverights.org/sites/crr.civicactions.net/files/documents/WAM_GlobalView_2014%20EN_0.pdf
Guillaume, A., Rossier, C., & Reeve, P. (2018). Abortion around the world. An overview of legislation, measures, trends, and consequences. Population, 73(2), 217-306 . https://www.cairn-int.info/article-E_POPU_1802_0225--abortion-around-the-world-an-overview.htm#
Pheterson, G., & Azize, Y. (2005). Abortion practice in the northeast Caribbean: "Just write down stomach pain." Reproductive Health Matters, 13(26), 44-53. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1016/S0968-8080(05)26201-8
Pourreza, A., & Batebi, A. (2011). Psychological consequences of abortion among the pos-abortion care seeking women in Tehran. Iranian journal of psychiatry, 6(1), 31. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3395931/
Upadhyay, U. D., Biggs, M. A., & Foster, D. G. (2015). The effect of abortion on having and achieving aspirational one-year plans. BMC women's health, 15(1), 102. https://iwpr.org/publications/economic-effects-abortion-access-report/
