The attitude of medical doctors in Enugu to the liberalization of the abortion law

Abstract

Objective: To determine the attitude of medical doctors in Enugu to the liberalization of the abortion law and the factors influencing this attitude. Method: A cross-sectional study of medical doctors in hospitals and clinics in Enugu urban was carried out. A self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire was used. The questionnaire covered biostatistical data, knowledge of the abortion law, attitude towards the liberalization of the abortion law and reasons for such attitude and the practice of induced abortion. Results: Up to 26.9% of the respondents supported the liberalization of the abortion law. Religious background, moral perception of abortion and previous practice of induced abortion significantly affected their attitude to the abortion law (P<0.05). The law had it's strongest advocates amongst gynaecologists and the least support amongst general surgeons. Conclusion: Religion and morality rather than medical consideration motivated the opposition of most medical doctors in Enugu to the liberalization of the abortion law. Morally and religiously acceptable methods of preventing unwanted pregnancies in order to reduce the complications of abortion are suggested.

Keywords

• abortion law
• liberalization
• attitude
• doctors