Men’s perspectives on termination of pregnancy in South Africa: A narrative review

Vollständiger Abstract

Worum geht es in dieser Arbeit?

This narrative review synthesises evidence on South African men’s perspectives, experiences, and involvement in termination of pregnancy (TOP), an area that remains underexplored in sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) research and policy. A systematic search from PubMed, EBSCOHost, Web of Science, Sabinet, Scopus, and Google Scholar identified ten English-language studies published between 2013 and 2025. Data were analysed using thematic synthesis resulting in emergence of four themes: attitudes, beliefs, and knowledge regarding TOP; relational and socioeconomic contexts shaping men’s experiences; emotional and psychological responses; and roles in decision-making and support. Limited reproductive health knowledge, socio-economic pressures, dominant norms of masculinity, and marginalisation within healthcare settings constrained men’s ability to provide effective support. The review highlights a critical gap in African SRHR practice and underscores the need for gender-sensitive approaches that recognise men as emotional stakeholders while safeguarding women’s reproductive autonomy.