Ambivalence among women applying for abortion

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Our purpose was to characterize women expressing ambivalence when applying for abortion. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data were collected, by self-administered questionnaires, from 339 women. Thirty percent were in doubt about the decision when the abortion was due. Socio-economic factors more often influenced the choice among ambivalent women than among those not in any doubt. RESULTS: Ambivalent women more often felt exposed to social pressure and some felt that the abortion was not their own choice. Their decision-making was marked by doubt during the entire process. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need for professional support during this decision-making process. Many of the ambivalent women stated that their decision might not have been the same under different personal circumstances.