African American adolescents' experiences with unplanned pregnancy and elective abortion

Abortion is a controversial topic in American society, yet abortion experiences have not been studied in great detail. We used a focused ethnographic method to interview 12 adolescents (ages 15-18 years) as they awaited elective abortion. Two follow-up interviews were conducted 6 and 8 months after the elective abortion. Major domains included relationships with partners, confiding in others and finding support, unselfish decision for self, and resolution of the crises. Empowerment was the integrating theme that unified the four domains.