Abortion, adoption, or motherhood: an empirical study of decision-making during pregnancy

Abstract

Using matched samples (n = 249) of single, generally young black women, two thirds on welfare and previously pregnant, the study examined why some women decide to deliver while others, with almost identical sociodemographic and prior pregnancy experiences, decide to abort. Women delivering were in significantly longer relationships with partners who had also been less cooperative about contraception. Discussion with significant others occurred more often in decisions to deliver and greater support was received for that option. For many women the abortion decision and, to a lesser extent the decision to deliver, was conflictful, options evenly balanced, and considerable indecision reported. Attitudes about ethical aspects of abortion and knowledge of role models for single parenthood and seeking abortion among friends and relatives also discriminated the two samples. Women who delivered all previous pregnancies found the decision to abort particularly difficult. In this young population 29.2 per cent of women currently delivering had previously aborted; 55.8 per cent of women currently aborting had delivered. During their reproductive life, therefore, almost all women in this population will face the decision whether to abort and many will choose that option. Whether abortion or delivery is chosen will depend upon circumstances surrounding specific pregnancies rather than characteristics of the mother. Adoption is not an option in the pregnancy decision of women in this population.