A qualitative assessment of the acceptability and potential demand for medical abortion among university students in Durban, South Africa

Objectives To assess the acceptability of medical abortion as a method for pregnancy termination among young South African women, and further investigate the potential demand for medical abortion. Methods Qualitative study based on in-depth interviews. The interviews were conducted with 20 sexually active, female university students in Durban, South Africa. Results The findings suggest that there is a demand for medical abortion among this sample of young women. Most of them find medical abortion an acceptable method, and would choose it if they were faced with an unwanted pregnancy. Some of the positive aspects of medical abortion raised were: increased privacy; avoidance of surgery; and sense of greater control. Some of the negative aspects of medical abortion were: fear of adverse side effects; high cost; follow-up visits; and potential psychological stress. While the majority of women find this method acceptable, there were reservations and concerns about introducing it into the public sector such as misuse and abuse of the medication by clients and providers. Conclusion Medical abortion should be introduced into the public sector in South Africa, and this method be made affordable, accessible, and available for women.