Indigenous (Māori) perspectives on abortion in New Zealand
Individual accounts of abortion were examined from within a wider Maori cultural practice and values on reproduction. It gives a rich and varied Maori perspective on a sensitive topic.
Le Grice, J. S., & Braun, V. (2017). Indigenous (Māori) perspectives on abortion in New Zealand. Feminism & Psychology, 27(2), 144-162.
Semi-structured individual interviews with 43 Maori people (26 female and 17 male). The participants varied in age, class, were parent or without children, and lived in rural and urban areas. The interview topics were on sexual and reproductive health, maternity, child support services and abortion.
There is little research on Maori attitudes towards abortion. "Our research seeks to better understand the contemporary socio-cultural context surrounding Maori perspectives on abortion. In this paper, we begin by briefly discussing abortion as a socio-culturally located practice, before turning to Maori theories, patterns of practice and realities pertaining to reproduction and abortion." (p. 145)
Individual accounts of abortion were examined from within a wider Maori cultural practice and values on reproduction. Space was created for a variety of views and experiences, and these were examined from a non-judgmental perspective.
Understanding and respecting Maori theories and practices are crucial for change to occur.
Interview transcripts
This is a Maori led empirical research. It gives a rich and varied Maori perspective on a sensitive topic.
"… we have centred a Maori woman's analysis …, deliberately not engaged with literature produced about Maori by European authors, and sought to situate Maori accounts within Maori theories, ideologies and patterns of practice as well as broader global cultural trends." (p. 156)
Health
Reproductive Health