Abstract:
In this korero, I will offer insights into culturally responsive abortion services for Māori. I draw from an Indigenous feminist (Mana Wāhine) interview study with 26 women and 17 men to attend to contemporary Māori perspectives on abortion. I describe the impact of colonial and political contributors to the silencing of stories about abortion choices and experiences. I will speak to three themes - ‘‘protection of a new life’’, ‘‘woman’s individual choice’’, and ‘‘extended family investment and support’’. I then outline two strategies of ‘kai atawhai’ and ‘manaakitanga’ as mana-enhancing and culturally responsive abortion service practices.
