Turkish immigrants and their views on abortion, contraception, and pregnancy: A grounded theory analysis

Objective: To identify possible factors that identify the decision-making progress of Turkish women in the Netherlands surrounding abortion, contraception, and pregnancy. This qualitative research uses grounded theory to analyze interviews conducted with Turkish women who live in the Netherlands, as either first-generation immigrants or second-generation immigrants. The interviews intended centered around cultural factors, religion, financial factors, healthcare, and sexual health education. Data: Research has shown that Turkish women in the Netherlands have higher abortion rates than native Dutch citizens. Turkish women are among those with the highest risk of unplanned pregnancy in the Netherlands. Existing literature has ignored these women in favor of general practitioners and abortion clinics. This research has attempted to focus on the experiences of Turkish women living in the Netherlands without judgment. Conclusion: Cultural and religious factors cause Turkish women to feel pressure to adhere to a certain image. The clash between these two factors creates double standards in which some Turkish women might feel no other option than to get an abortion. The lack of sexual health education exacerbates this problem by upholding the stigma surrounding contraception. Financial considerations and distrust in healthcare providers influence these decisions and attitudes even more.