Background: In the East African region abortion complications causes significant morbidity and mortality, impairing women´s and girls’ health and well-being. Health care provider shortages, physicians in particular, non-availability of safe and effective medicines and technology, and the fact that few midwives and nurses are trained in post abortion care (PAC), result in limited health care access. Stigma and legal repercussions further obstruct access to care and contributes to hesitance among health care providers to provide such care. Previous studies concerning women´s access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care in Uganda have revealed several barriers to health care access and limited quality of care. Aim: Exploring midwives´ experiences, attitudes and perceptions in relation to unsafe abortion and their experience of providing PAC. Method: In depth interviews were conducted with twelve midwives at Mulago Referall hospital, Uganda by using a semi- structured interview guide. The transcribed material was then developed through qualitative content analysis using a manifest approach. Result: The analysis resulted in two main categories: 1) stigma and social norms related to women´s sexuality and abortion and 2) quality of post abortion care. The result showed that unintended pregnancies, FP and abortions generally are viewed badly in Uganda and are highly stigmatized. The quality of PAC is perceived reduced due to lack of equipment, high work load and stigma surrounding abortions.
Conclusion: Unsafe abortions are viewed negatively and is seen as a consequence to stigma surrounding FP and unplanned pregnancies, which is mainly affecting young unmarried women. Midwives experienced reduced quality of PAC due to limited resources. The study also shows that new knowledge and education about PAC can help reduce midwives prejudice towards abortion seeking women and broaden their views.