Female sexuality after a voluntary termination of pregnancy

Throughout history, both locally in South Africa and globally, termination of pregnancy has been a controversial topic of women's health and rights, and has stirred up much debate between "pro-life" and "pro-choice" groups. It links to politics, interpersonal relationships, sexuality and societal norms. "Abortion is a controversial and emotive issue which stirs up the passions of both those opposed and those in favor of the procedure". Integrally linked to termination of pregnancy, although not commonly acknowledged, is female sexuality. A woman's sexuality is influenced holistically through her societal, cultural, religious and personal background (Nelson, 2001) and therefore her interpretation of her sexuality will ultimately influence how she understands her sexuality around a termination of pregnancy.

Autorentext

Catriona Boffard is a internationally qualified and certified Sexologist and Sex Researcher, practicing in Johannesburg, South Africa. She has a Masters in Research Psychology (University of the Witwatersrand), a Masters of HIV, STIs and Sexual Health (Counselling) (University of Sydney), and is a certified pyschosexologist with the ESSM/EFS.