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Studying the Acceptability and Feasibility of Medical Abortion

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 April 2021

Extract

“Acceptability research” is a term first coined to describe inquiries into individuals’ responses to family planning and contraceptive technology. As defined by WHO, “acceptability” is a “quality which makes an object, person, event, or idea attractive, satisfactory, pleasing or welcome.” In fact, the word “acceptable” in English is distinct from other issues that are also encompassed within “acceptability research.” “Acceptable,” to many, connotes faint praise. It may mean that something is tolerable only to the point of not being protested. On the other hand, the attributes “desirable” and “preferable” are more positive. In fact, all of these qualities are examined within the meaning of “acceptability research” as currently used by the Population Council.

Acceptability of a product or a medical procedure is most commonly studied in terms of patients or clients. Do those who will undergo the procedure or be the subjects of the technology find its use acceptable? But, in fact, acceptability can also be tested in relation to the providers of the technologies (i.e., the medical professionals), to the program managers or to policymakers.

Type
Patient Perspectives
Copyright
© 1992 American Society of Law, Medicine & Ethics

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