Autonomy and Decision-Making Regarding Abortion: A Sociological Study of East Delhi, India

Abstract

Abortion remains a highly debated topic, influenced by ethical, legal, medical, and sociocultural perspectives. This study, focusing on East Delhi, examines the factors influencing abortion decisions, with an emphasis on the role of socio-economic status, education, and gender dynamics. Using a mixed-method approach, the research integrates both qualitative and quantitative data collected through structured questionnaires from diverse groups of women, including professionals, housewives, and laborers.Findings indicate that economic independence plays a crucial role in abortion decision-making. Women in private-sector jobs and self-employed women demonstrated greater autonomy in self-suggesting abortion compared to housewives and government employees, who were more likely to be influenced by their husbands. The study also highlights that education significantly impacts reproductive choices, with highly educated women displaying greater control over abortion decisions. However, even among educated and working women, patriarchal norms persist, with husbands continuing to exert influence over reproductive decisions.The research further reveals that extended family members, such as mothers-in-law, friends, and sisters, have minimal influence on abortion decisions, emphasizing the private and often stigmatized nature of the issue. Structural barriers, including financial dependence, social norms, and lack of reproductive health awareness, disproportionately affect less-educated and economically disadvantaged women, limiting their agency.The study is framed within sociological theories such as feminist theory, conflict theory, and structural functionalism. It underscores how economic empowerment and education enhance reproductive autonomy while highlighting the persistence of patriarchal structures in decision-making. Policy recommendations include strengthening reproductive health education, promoting financial independence for women, and challenging gender norms to ensure greater autonomy in reproductive choices. Addressing these factors is essential for fostering a more equitable and informed approach to reproductive rights in India.