Abstract

PIP: Discussion and decision making among 308 of 338 Wessex women who obtained an induced abortion at one of 2 centers are studied. The most important discussants were found to be family doctors, boy and girl friends, husbands, mothers, and pregnancy counselors. In the majority of key discussions the patient had been able to discuss the pregnancy fully, had a sympathetic reception and met a discussant who was favorable to her having an abortion. However, younger patients were less likely to have such an experience and were later at arriving at their abortion decision and were more prone to uncertainty. It is argued that alternative counseling and referral systems should be developed for younger patients with unplanned pregnancies who may request abortion.