The role of men in induced abortion decision making in an urban area of the Philippines

Objective To understand beliefs about unintended pregnancy and abortion, and perceptions about male roles related to pregnancy decision‐making among men in the Philippines. Methods Qualitative data were collected during in‐depth interviews and focus group discussions with men in an urban area of the Philippines between October 2007 and July 2008. Interview participants were purposively sampled from a local survey based on their having reported being “afraid or troubled” or “afraid and planned to terminate” in response to a recent pregnancy. Focus group participants were selected from the same communities. Data were analyzed using the constant comparative method. Results In‐depth interview data from 15 men—each interviewed twice—and five focus group discussions were included. Male interview participants reported feeling morally responsible for the pregnancy and as wanting to avoid the “sin” of induced abortion; however, they were concerned about being able to support a family financially. Participants expressed resentment towards partners who attempted or completed an induced abortion without their knowledge. In such cases, men would disparage their partner and cease interacting with them to avoid the “sin” of induced abortion. Conclusion Participants described negative feelings towards women seeking induced abortions, and their own desire to avoid associated “sin”. This highlights the effects of unintended pregnancy and induced abortion on young Filipino men, including their own experience of abortion stigma. Men desired to be involved in pregnancy decision making. Men reacted negatively if they felt excluded from decision making, perpetuating stigmatizing views on induced abortion.