"This is a police matter!". Divergences observed in access to legal abortion services in Brazil: a decolonial feminist analysis

This article aims to analyze access to legal abortion services in Brazil, using the technical guidelines published by the Ministry of Health as a reference, which are intended to guide the care provided in these health facilities. In the initial phase of the research, a survey was conducted to identify the services authorized to perform legal pregnancy termination, based on the National Registry of Health Establishments, as well as state and municipal health departments. Subsequently, telephone contact was made to gather information about the services’ operations, in accordance with the Access to Information Law. A total of 126 services were contacted, and responses were received from 77. The findings reveal regional disparities, misinformation, inappropriate practices, and a disconnect between regulations and the services provided. These inadequacies prevent women from accessing this right, which, although legally secured for decades, remains obstructed by prevailing moralistic attitudes.

Key-words:
legal abortion; sexual and reproductive rights; public policies; health services; feminist psychology