Reproductive Health and Rights in Abused Women: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Objectives: Globally, violence against women is considered as a violation of human rights, a major barrier to gender equality, and one of the health problems that require immediate attention. The aim of this study was to explain the reproductive health and rights of abused women in Tehran, Iran. Materials and Methods: This qualitative study was carried out using the content analysis method among 18 abused women and 8 key informants. Data were collected using an unstructured interview in healthcare centers of Tehran, Iran. To this end, the samples were selected through purposeful sampling technique. Data analysis was performed using the content analysis method, with the help of MAXQDA software, version 10. Results: According to the results, there were three main categories: fostering the nobility of proper and timely marriage, institutionalization of gender stereotypes in the society, and mutual commitment in marital relationships. Conclusions: Regarding the results, domestic violence is a human rights violation, which has serious impacts on women’s reproductive health and rights. It is essential to address the reproductive health and rights of abused women in order to improve the health status of women and society.

Keywords

• reproductive health
• rights
• abused women
• content analysis