| dc.description.abstract | Background: Abortion was equated with infanticide and other forms of crime in Nepal before it was legalized in 2002. Even, after two decades of liberalization, the subject of abortion continues to carry moral, emotional, cultural, and social arguments in Nepal. With higher average age of getting married, the risk of unwanted pregnancies and abortion increases. Many studies have been published about abortion and its related issues, however, studies including unmarried women and their perception on abortion-related care and safe abortion services are limited. Objectives: The main aim of the study was to explore the perceptions and attitudes on premarital pregnancy and abortion among unmarried Nepalese women living in Norway. Furthermore, it was to understand the expectations for safe abortion services, socio-cultural influence, and suggestions for comprehensive sexual and reproductive healthcare for unmarried women in Nepali context. Methods: A qualitative research study was conducted using in-depth interviews with 14 educated and unmarried Nepalese women aged 23 to 30 years living in Norway. The two domains, Individual context and (Inter)national context of conceptual framework on women’s trajectories on seeking abortion-related care, guided the analysis and interpretation of the findings. Findings: The participants acknowledged a limitation in abortion knowledge, methods, services, and discussion in Nepalese society. There was a general acceptability on premarital sex and adequate knowledge on contraceptive use to avoid unwanted pregnancy and abortion. However, the participants noted that these consequences were not unheard of. Despite knowledge on legalization of abortion, participants were aware of the socio-cultural norms hindering the optimal utilization of abortion-related care for unmarried women. The prioritization for autonomy and independence was reflected in knowledge and acceptance about sexual and reproductive health rights of unmarried women. Their idea of safe abortion comprised of personal, medical, legal, financial, and social safety integrating interconnection of two domains of the framework. Conclusion: The study findings suggest importance of including unmarried women’s perspectives for optimal utilization of available healthcare services. Joint efforts to initiate and normalize sexual and reproductive health discussions in the society were emphasized. | eng |