Three cases of adolescent childbearing decision-making: the importance of ambivalence

Limited information is available about the childbearing decision-making experience by the pregnant adolescent. The purpose of this case study was to explore this experience with three pregnant teenagers. The study is based on nine qualitative interviews. Within-case descriptions applying the theoretical model of decision-making regarding unwanted pregnancy and across-case findings are presented. The results showed that considerably more ambivalence was described than suggested by the authors of the model. The findings also indicate that there was considerable ambivalence about motherhood. The childbearing decision was rather passive for two of the girls while the oldest girl more actively considered the alternatives of abortion and childbearing. The oldest girl experienced more ambivalence than the other girls which seemed beneficial for her. Fear of feeling regret later on mainly guided the decision of the girls toward not having an abortion. That decision left them with the other alternative, having the child, since adoption was never an option. None of them was ready for motherhood. After two of them had been assured of support, they seemed to be willing to follow a new direction in their lives. Further qualitative exploration of ambivalence in childbearing decision-making among adolescents is necessary in order to determine the factors which can contribute to more decisive decision-making and probably lead to less regret afterwards. Such information may also be of benefit in sex education courses and in counseling pregnant girls.