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Ethnography involves emotional work – be it conscious or otherwise – on the part of a researcher due to his/her/their prolonged presence in the field and the relationships forged with interviewees. Being accepted and appreciated is contingent on practices, dispositions and skills that define emotional (field)work which begs conceptualization. Observing situations of medical domination within the context of abortion procedures, this article highlights the costs of this work – which vary with respect to one’s position within academic and social networks – and discusses the personal, professional, ethical and epistemological implications.