Lived Experiences of Women Who Terminated Pregnancy in Adolescence

Abstract

Introduction: Termination of pregnancy is an event flooded with personal and social conflicts. There are individual, relationship, community, and societal factors regarding termination of pregnancy in adolescence that need consideration. Background: Teenage pregnancy is a public health crisis in the world. It is a major contributor to maternal and child morbidity and mortality rates. Termination of pregnancy was introduced as a safety measure to solve the problem of unwanted pregnancies and maternal deaths caused by backstreet terminations. Aim: The aim of the study was to explore the lived experiences of women, who had a terminated pregnancy in adolescence, using the socio-ecological model. Methods: Interpretive phenomenology analysis was used to explore the lived experiences of women who terminated a pregnancy in adolescence. Individual audio-recorded  interviews were conducted with 11 participants, who terminated a pregnancy in Adolescentsadolescence. Findings: Interpretive analysis yielded three themes, namely: failure to protect one’s unborn baby, the burden of secrecy, and failure to form lasting relationships. The findings show the lasting negative effects of terminating a pregnancy in adolescence. Conclusion and policy recommendation: The qualitative study confirmed that women who terminated pregnancy in adolescence face a lot of challenges in adulthood. The study further confirmed that women do not forgive themselves for having had a termination of pregnancy in adolescence. Health-care policymakers need to hear the voices of women who terminated a pregnancy in adolescence, to enable them to develop relevant and appropriate policies that answer the needs of women who have a termination of pregnancy in adolescence.