"Being seen, heard, witnessed and acknowledged": a reflexive thematic analysis of peer support following termination for medical reasons among women in Great Britain.
5 affiliations
- 1Spectrum Centre for Mental Health Research, Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK. [email protected].
- 2Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK.
- 3Institute of Population Health, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
- 4Spectrum Centre for Mental Health Research, Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK.
- 5School of Nursing and Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Abstract
Background
Termination for medical reasons (TFMR) is associated with profound distress, grief and emotional trauma, as well as stigma and isolation. While peer support has been reported to reduce isolation and validate emotions in broader contexts, the distinct ethical and emotional complexities surrounding TFMR mean these findings cannot be assumed to transfer directly. TFMR‑specific evidence is therefore needed.Aim
To explore women's perspectives on peer support following termination for medical reasons (TFMR) in order to make policy and practice recommendations to improve support.Methods
This study was a reflexive thematic analysis, conducted using qualitative data from 6 facilitated online focus groups with 28 women in total, aged 18 or older who had experienced TFMR in Great Britain within the past 10 years.Results
Five key themes were developed: 1) Blindsided and isolated with a silenced grief; 2) They just "get it" - the unique value of TFMR-specific peer support; 3) Navigating the abyss: support that hinges on luck; 4) Shared journey, differing and evolving support needs; and 5) The other edge of the sword: when others' stories are heavy.Conclusions
TFMR is a profoundly distressing experience, and women's accounts highlight significant gaps in the availability and consistency of support. Peer support represents a potentially effective and low‑cost intervention, but access is currently dependent on chance rather than a clear pathway. Strengthening collaboration between statutory and voluntary sectors could enable the development of varied, TFMR‑specific peer support options that reflect the differing needs of those affected. Further research is needed to understand how peer support is experienced across diverse groups and how it can be tailored to ensure equitable, sensitive, and sustainable provision.
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BibTeX
@article{robinson2026being,
title = {{"Being seen, heard, witnessed and acknowledged": a reflexive thematic analysis of peer support following termination for medical reasons among women in Great Britain.}},
author = {Heather Robinson and Ellie Vowles and Paul Marshall and Fiona Lobban and Áine Aventin},
journal = {Reproductive health},
year = {2026},
month = jul,
doi = {10.1186/s12978-026-02403-z},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42908018},
note = {CC BY-NC-ND},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - "Being seen, heard, witnessed and acknowledged": a reflexive thematic analysis of peer support following termination for medical reasons among women in Great Britain.
AU - Heather Robinson
AU - Ellie Vowles
AU - Paul Marshall
AU - Fiona Lobban
AU - Áine Aventin
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/07/01
JO - Reproductive health
DO - 10.1186/s12978-026-02403-z
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42908018
AB - Background Termination for medical reasons (TFMR) is associated with profound distress, grief and emotional trauma, as well as stigma and isolation. While peer support has been reported to reduce isolation and validate emotions in broader contexts, the distinct ethical and emotional complexities surrounding TFMR mean these findings cannot be assumed to transfer directly. TFMR‑specific evidence is therefore needed.Aim To explore women's perspectives on peer support following termination for medical reasons (TFMR) in order to make policy and practice recommendations to improve support.Methods This study was a reflexive thematic analysis, conducted using qualitative data from 6 facilitated online focus groups with 28 women in total, aged 18 or older who had experienced TFMR in Great Britain within the past 10 years.Results Five key themes were developed: 1) Blindsided and isolated with a silenced grief; 2) They just "get it" - the unique value of TFMR-specific peer support; 3) Navigating the abyss: support that hinges on luck; 4) Shared journey, differing and evolving support needs; and 5) The other edge of the sword: when others' stories are heavy.Conclusions TFMR is a profoundly distressing experience, and women's accounts highlight significant gaps in the availability and consistency of support. Peer support represents a potentially effective and low‑cost intervention, but access is currently dependent on chance rather than a clear pathway. Strengthening collaboration between statutory and voluntary sectors could enable the development of varied, TFMR‑specific peer support options that reflect the differing needs of those affected. Further research is needed to understand how peer support is experienced across diverse groups and how it can be tailored to ensure equitable, sensitive, and sustainable provision.
SN - 1742-4755
ER -