Clandestine abortion in Latin America: Provider perspectives

This paper presents the results of in-depth interviews with ten clandestine abortion providers in urban Latin America. Three related issues are addres sed: how abortion providers come to this line of work; their major difficul ties; and their sources of job satisfaction. A variety of paths bring healt h professionals to the practice of abortion; common elements are a sense of calling, a desire to help women, personal experience with abortion, and a commitment to political change. Providers describe difficulties that includ e a lack of medical support, the need for secrecy, and threats of violence, extortion, and prosecution. In spite of difficulties, all providers report a great deal of fulfillment in their work, based on their satisfaction in saving women's lives, maintaining supportive relationships with colleagues, and empowering women.