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Original research
Experiences of abortion in the UK Armed Forces: a cross-sectional survey
  1. Victoria Elizabeth Kinkaid1,
  2. Ruth Guest1,
  3. Antony Willman1,2,
  4. Kate King1,3
  1. 1 Research & Clinical Innovation, Defence Medical Services, Academic Department of Military General Practice, Birmingham, UK
  2. 2 Institute of Applied Health Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
  3. 3 Kings College London, London, UK
  1. Correspondence to Dr Victoria Elizabeth Kinkaid; Victoria.kinkaid100{at}mod.gov.Uk

Abstract

Background Abortion is a common pregnancy outcome; in the UK one in three women will have an abortion by age 45 years. Despite women making up 11.7% of the UK Armed Forces (UKAF), anecdotal voices from patient groups and clinicians highlight their gender-specific health needs not being addressed by the UKAF. There is a worldwide absence of literature and policy on abortion care in the AF, including rates and experiences. This survey addresses the paucity of data on abortion experiences in UK servicewomen to ensure the UKAF is providing the best possible care for them.

Methods A REDCap survey was circulated among UK servicewomen via email and social media networks, and snowball distribution was utilised to widen participation. Quantitative data were used for descriptive statistics and qualitative data were analysed iteratively by the authors, with regular meetings to agree on themes.

Results A total of 427 servicewomen responded: 124 (29%) declared they previously had an abortion, with 102 (23.9%) being in service. Twelve (11.8%) of these abortions were required when on deployment. Four key themes emerged: ‘Trust in information holders’, ‘Influencers, barriers and access’, ‘Systemic lack of awareness’ and ‘Life in the military’.

Conclusions This is the first study to collect data on UK servicewomen’s experience around abortion care, and highlights a complex interplay of factors which may influence abortion care decisions. Stigma and judgement were pervasive threads running through all themes, negatively impacting UKAF women. Evidence-based policies and information on abortion are recommended for both servicepeople and healthcare professionals to facilitate access to abortion and begin to destigmatise it in the AF.

  • abortion, induced
  • contraception behavior
  • Contraceptive Effectiveness
  • family planning services
  • health education
  • Reproductive Health

Data availability statement

All data relevant to the study are included in the article or uploaded as supplementary information.

https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjsrh-2024-202513

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    Data availability statement

    All data relevant to the study are included in the article or uploaded as supplementary information.

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    Footnotes

    • X @vkinkaid11

    • Contributors The survey was jointly conceived and planned by VEK and RG. The data were analysed by all the authors. The article was drafted by VEK, AW wrote the methodology and the article was reviewed by all authors prior to submission. VEK is the guarantor. This article has been rephrased and condensed with assistance from ChatGPT, with no new content generated beyond the original material.

    • Funding The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.

    • Competing interests None declared.

    • Patient and public involvement Patients and/or the public were involved in the design, or conduct, or reporting, or dissemination plans of this research. See the Methods section for further details.

    • Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.

    • Author note Gender Statement: Although in this article we have referred to servicewomen, we recognise that not all people with a uterus will identify as a woman, and not all people who identify as women will have a uterus.

    • Supplemental material This content has been supplied by the author(s). It has not been vetted by BMJ Publishing Group Limited (BMJ) and may not have been peer-reviewed. Any opinions or recommendations discussed are solely those of the author(s) and are not endorsed by BMJ. BMJ disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on the content. Where the content includes any translated material, BMJ does not warrant the accuracy and reliability of the translations (including but not limited to local regulations, clinical guidelines, terminology, drug names and drug dosages), and is not responsible for any error and/or omissions arising from translation and adaptation or otherwise.