Besluitvorming bij onbedoelde zwangerschappen

Objective

To gain insight into experiences of women and men who have experienced an unintended pregnancy, along with the perspectives of healthcare providers offering decision-making counseling/consultations concerning an unintended pregnancy or abortion.

Design

Semi-structured interviews and focus groups.

Methods

Twenty-five interviews were held with women and men whom experienced an unintended pregnancy, while nineteen healthcare providers participated in four focus groups (May-July 2021).

Results

In addition to partners or other family members, healthcare providers also play a significant role in supporting decision-making. Awareness of decision-making counseling was limited among interviewees, a view shared by the participating providers. Both groups highlighted deficiencies in follow-up care post-abortion or unintended pregnancy, as well as the perceived taboo surrounding unintended pregnancies and abortion.

Conclusion

Decision-making counseling deserves more awareness among the public and healthcare providers. There is also room for improvement regarding follow-up care. Sustained attention to unintended pregnancies and abortions is necessary to reduce the prevailing taboo.

Conflict of interest and financial support: ICMJE forms provided by the authors are available online along with the full text of this article.