Table 3 Typologies of interactions that reflect stigmatizing and low-quality abortion care, with codes representing manifestations of each category

1.1 Creating barriers to abortion access

Gatekeeping or deliberately delaying care; insufficient information provided when booking/referring; denial of care

1.2 Judging, blaming, questioning, or punishing abortion seekers

Questioned decision; don’t do this again; woman bears responsibility; withholding or minimizing pain relief; singled out or treated differently for abortion

1.3 Interactions that do not respond to evolving emotional and information needs of the client

Insufficient attention to emotional needs during and after care; insufficient time and attention to support decisions about abortion care; pushed towards one method; unfriendly and cold

1.4 Making assumptions about reproductive intentions and related preferences for care

Ultrasound wishes not respected; pushing contraception; assume client wants to continue the pregnancy; assume client wants to have the abortion

1.5 Minimized interactions that compromise the quality and safety of the service

Insufficient aftercare information; lack of follow up; recovery rushed, pushed out the door