'Come on, Give Me the Pills Now': A Narrative Analysis of Reproductive Agency in Self-Managed Abortion in Argentina

Abstract

Recent discussions on self-managed abortion highlight its potential to reduce risks and delays while supporting reproductive rights. This qualitative paper analyses the stories of 12 women who self-managed their abortions in Argentina. In-depth interviews were conducted in April and May 2024. Using a framework of reproductive agency, the paper explores how legal, social, economic and personal circumstances shaped self-management experiences. We conducted a narrative analysis, resulting in four narrative types: self-managed abortion as empowerment, as navigating the unexpected, as moral hesitation and perceived health risk, and as a private experience. Some participants described their experience as empowering, while others expressed ambivalence, fear and concern about health risks while exercising reproductive choice. Access to sexual and reproductive health information emerged as a key enabler of agency, though it was unevenly distributed, reflecting broader structural inequalities. Emotional and physical challenges were common, even among those confident in their decision, highlighting the need for care models that acknowledge the complexity of abortion practices. The findings call for a person-centred approach that support diverse pathways to abortion care. Such flexibility is essential to advancing reproductive agency and equity.