Dilemmas and attitudes of Mexican doctors towards abortion related healthcare

Joquina Erviti, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Roberto Castro, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Itzel A Sosa Sánchez, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

In this paper we aim at discussing our findings on the social mechanisms that sustain the ambivalent role that Mexican doctors play regarding abortion care. We explore the perceptions, predispositions and practices which constitute the daily professional performance of male doctors working in public institutions, and we analyze how these predispositions have consequences on the way women access these services. This presentation is based on a qualitative study conducted in a Mexican State located near Mexico City. We conducted 31 in-depth interviews with male doctors working in public health institutions. We explored these doctors’ schemes of perception and appreciation of both abortion and the women seeking health care for abortion and miscarriage related matters. We characterize these professionals’ feelings and emotions and the concomitant professional practices linked to them.