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Patterns of discussion and decision-making amongst abortion patients

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 July 2008

John R. Ashton
John R. Ashton
Affiliation:
Department of Community Medicine, Southampton University and Wessex Regional Health Authority
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Summary

Discussion and decision-making amongst Wessex women who obtained an induced abortion at two centres are studied. The most important discussants were family doctors, boy-friends, girl-friends, husbands, mothers and pregnancy counsellors. In the majority of key discussions which occurred the patient had been able to discuss the pregnancy fully, had a sympathetic reception and met a discussant who was favourable to her having a termination. However, younger patients were less likely to have such an experience and were later in arriving at their abortion decision and were more prone to uncertainty. It is argued that alternative counselling and referral systems need to be developed for younger patients with unplanned pregnancies who may request abortion.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Biosocial Science , Volume 12 , Issue 3 , July 1980 , pp. 247 - 260
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1980

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