 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
John S Santelli, MD, MPH, Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway NE, Mailstop K22, Atlanta, GA 30341, 770/488-5611, jfs8@cdc.gov, Ilene Speizer, PhD, DynCorp Consultant to CDC, Division of Reproductive Health, 610 Horsepen Rd., Richmond, VA 23229, and Alexis Avery, MPH, Department of International Health, Tulane University, 1440 Canal Street, suite 2200, New Orleans, LA 70112.
Data from the Determinants of Unintended Pregnancy Risk Study were used to examine pregnancy decision-making among 1017 women (full sample) seeking abortion Traditional demographic measures of pregnancy intentions were compared to newer measures developed using qualitative research. A restricted sample (n=142) with residence in New Orleans was compared to 336 women entering prenatal care.
In the full sample by traditional measures, 51% of women reported the pregnancy was mistimed; 46% wanted no more children. Among the new dimensions, common emotions on becoming pregnant included being scared, confused, surprised, and unhappy. As reported by the women, the most common partner emotions were being surprised (39%), confused (33%), shocked (33%), and scared (27%). Reasons for seeking abortion included unable to afford a child (49%), not ready for a child (42%), not wanting any more children (31%) not married (30%), too young (21%), and relationship unstable (20%).
Comparing the restricted abortion sample to women in prenatal care, abortion patients were more likely to report unhappiness, confusion, and being scared. Only 3% of abortion patients and one third of prenatal patients reported the pregnancy was intended. Only 18% of abortion patients but 69% of prenatal patients reported their partner wanted a baby. Seven percent of women in the abortion clinic wanted a baby with their current partner compared to 51% in the prenatal clinic.
Relationship with male partners, emotional reactions, and life circumstances were critical dimensions in decision-making. Traditional measures of pregnancy intentions did not clearly distinguish women choosing to continue or abort the pregnancy.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Abortion, Pregnancy
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: none
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.