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Post-abortion care (PAC) counselling and the provision of contraceptive methods are core components of PAC services. Nevertheless, this service is not uniformly provided to PAC patients. This paper explores the factors contributing to young women leaving health facilities without counselling and contraceptive methods. The paper draws from an ethnographic study conducted in Kilifi County, Kenya, in 2021. We conducted participant observation in health facilities and neighbouring communities, and held in-depth interviews with 21 young women aged 15-24 who received PAC. In addition, we interviewed 11 healthcare providers recruited from the public and private health facilities observed. Findings revealed that post-abortion contraceptive counselling and methods were not always offered to patients as part of PAC as prescribed in the PAC guidelines. When PAC contraceptive counselling was offered, certain barriers affected uptake of the methods, including inadequate information, coercion by providers and partners, and fears of side effects. Together, these factors contributed to repeat unintended pregnancies and repeat abortions. The absence of quality contraceptive counselling therefore infringes on the right to health of girls and young women. Findings underscore the need to strengthen the capacities of health providers on PAC contraceptive counselling and address their attitudes towards young female PAC patients.

In Africa, the rights of adolescent girls and young women in terms of sexual and reproductive health are strongly influenced by social norms. This article delves into the pivotal role these norms play in the abortion decisions and experiences of young women aged 15-24 in Benin. An ethnographic approach was adopted for data collection among young women who have undergone abortion, their confidants, and other community members. The findings reveal that these young women face a threefold normative burden in their social environment. They juggle contradictory norms that simultaneously stigmatise early pregnancies, hinder proper sexual education, and strongly condemn abortion. These normative pressures often drive their resort to abortions, typically carried out under unsafe conditions. The study also highlights the significant role parents play in the abortion decisions and processes of teenagers under 20. When men are involved in seeking care for abortion, adolescents and young women usually access safer procedures. However, their access to aftercare and contraception following an abortion is hindered by the social norms of healthcare professionals. In addition to broadening the conditions of access to abortion in Benin in October 2021, it is imperative to implement interventions centred on value clarification, raising awareness of adolescents' rights, combating obstetric violence, and social stigmatisation. These measures are crucial to alleviate the weight of social norms bearing down on these young women. DOI: 10.1080/26410397.2023.2294793.