[Contraception and abortion in Argentina: perspective of obstetricians and gynaecologists].
OBJECTIVE
To explore the role of obstetricians and gynaecologists in reproductive public health policies in Argentina.


METHODS
Combination of quantitative methods (survey, n=467) and qualitative methods (semistructured interview, n=35; focus groups, n=6).


RESULTS
The great majority of respondents believe that abortion and contraception are serious public health issues. Seven out of 10 considered the implementation of family planning services and post-abortion contraceptive counseling to be priorities. One-half favored promoting social debate on abortion. The great majority thought that de-criminalization of abortion would help to diminish maternal mortality and that abortion should not be penalized when the womans life or health is at risk, or in cases of rape or fetal malformations.


CONCLUSIONS
Abortion and contraception are important issues for physicians. Advocacy efforts within this community need to focus on an integral vision of health, emphasizing their social responsibility.
Szulik
Dalia
D
Facultad Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales, Argentina.
Gogna
Mónica
M
Petracci
Mónica
M
Ramos
Silvina
S
Romero
Mariana
M
D000028:Abortion, Induced; D000328:Adult; D001118:Argentina; D003267:Contraception; D005260:Female; D006176:Gynecology; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009774:Obstetrics