Experiences of unmarried young abortion-seekers in Bihar and Jharkhand, India

While several studies have documented the prevalence of unprotected pre-marital sex among young people in India, little work has explored one of its likely consequences, unintended pregnancy and abortion. This paper examines the experiences of 26 unmarried young abortion-seekers (aged 15-24) intervi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Culture, health & sexuality health & sexuality, 2012-03, Vol.14 (3), p.241-255
Main Authors: Kalyanwala, Shveta, Jejeebhoy, Shireen J., Francis Zavier, A. J., Kumar, Rajesh
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Abortion
Abortion Applicants - psychology
Abortion, Induced - psychology
Adolescent
Attitude to Health
Bihar
Families & family life
Family
Family members
Family studies
Female
Females
First trimester of pregnancy
Health Care Services
Health Services Accessibility
Health Status
Humans
India
Interpersonal Relations
Jharkhand
Men
Parents
pre-marital pregnancy
Pregnancy
Pregnancy, Unplanned - psychology
Public health
Second trimester of pregnancy
Sexuality. Marriage. Family relations
Single Person - psychology
Single status
Single women
Social Perception
Social Support
Sociology
Sociology of the family. Age groups
Surveys and Questionnaires
unintended pregnancy
Unwanted Pregnancy
Women
Women's Health
Young Adult
Youth problems
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Summary:While several studies have documented the prevalence of unprotected pre-marital sex among young people in India, little work has explored one of its likely consequences, unintended pregnancy and abortion. This paper examines the experiences of 26 unmarried young abortion-seekers (aged 15-24) interviewed in depth as part of a larger study of unmarried abortion-seekers at clinics run by an NGO in Bihar and Jharkhand. Findings reveal that recognition of the unintended pregnancy was delayed for many and many who suspected so further delayed acknowledging it. Once recognised, most confided in the partner and, for the most part, partners were supportive; a significant minority, including those who had experienced forced sex, did not have partner support and delayed the abortion until the second trimester of pregnancy. Family support was absent in most cases; where provided, it was largely to protect the family reputation. Finally, unsuccessful attempts to terminate the pregnancy were made by several young women, often with the help of partners or family member. Findings call for programmes for young women and men, their potential partners, parents and families and the health system that will collectively enable unmarried young women to obtain safe abortions in a supportive environment.
ISSN:1369-1058
1464-5351
DOI:10.1080/13691058.2011.619280