Framing Abortion Within the Context of Perinatal Loss

Abortion is a type of pregnancy loss that is both similar and different from other types of pregnancy losses, depending on a number of contextual variables. Perinatal losses and some abortions may be understood as an interruption to the developmental task of parenthood, while other abortions may be understood as routine healthcare. Awareness of the contextual factors in an individual’s experience of abortion must be considered by treating medical providers and clinicians. Also discussed are rituals around abortion loss (or the lack thereof), the importance of language and terminology that reduces abortion stigma, and the availability of resources for those who have experienced pregnancy loss, including abortion. Understanding that there is not one singular narrative of abortion has important implications for the larger political and cultural dialogue around abortion, reproductive choice, women’s and transgender rights, and racial disparities in healthcare.