Intimate partner violence, pregnancy and the decision for abortion

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Sociology
• Psychology

Background:

• Intimate partner violence (IPV) significantly impacts pregnant women's decisions regarding unintended pregnancies.
• The intersection of unintended pregnancy and IPV presents complex challenges for women seeking abortion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the lived experiences of pregnant women facing unintended pregnancies and IPV who are seeking abortions.
• To understand the decision-making process and prevalent themes from the women's perspectives.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative research employing semi-structured interviews with eight pregnant women.
• Utilized IPV screening tools and an assessment of danger tool for safety.
• Data analysis guided by naturalistic inquiry to identify themes.

Main Results:

• Three major themes emerged: "It Wasn't That Bad," "Then It Got Worse," and "If I Have the Baby He'll Come Back."
• Women's experiences often involved a progression of abuse.
• The hope that having a child would resolve the abusive relationship was a significant factor.

Conclusions:

• Women experiencing unintended pregnancy and IPV face unique challenges in abortion decisions.
• The findings highlight the complex psychological and social factors influencing these decisions.
• Safety planning and referrals are crucial for women in such situations.