Who cares? Pre and post abortion experiences among young people in Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana

Issues of abortion are critical in Ghana largely due to its consequences on sexual and reproductive health. While the practice is generally regarded illegal, the negative perception society attaches to it makes it difficult for young people to access the service and share their experiences. This paper explores the pre and post abortion experiences of young people; a subject scarcely researched in the country. Clients of Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG) Clinic at Cape Coast constituted the study population. The interview guide was used to collect data from twenty-one respondents between the ages of thirteen and twenty-four. Guided by the bio-psychosocial model, the study revealed that thoughts of causing ‘murder’, guilt, fear of societal stigma, shame, and loss of partners, leaving with the guilt of ‘murder’ as well as self-imposed stigma were the pre and post abortion experiences the respondents encountered. Bleeding, severe abdominal pains and psychological pain were also reported. Research must focus more in this area. PPAG Clinic must integrate psychosocial treatment in its abortion services while intensifying behaviour change communication and community-based stigma-reduction education in the Metropolis.