Teenage mothers ‘strongly influenced by anti-abortion views in local community’

Opposition to abortion among families and the local community are among the important factors that shape teenagers’ decisions to continue with unplanned pregnancies. The ‘visibility’ of young mothers and babies in neighbourhoods with high levels of teenage pregnancy is another major influence, according to research for the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.

The study - carried out in Doncaster where teenage pregnancy rates are among the highest in Britain - suggests that those who become young mothers do not generally consider abortion as an option. It also finds that teenagers have few sources of impartial advice during the crucial 7 to 14 weeks after pregnancy is confirmed.

The ‘qualitative’ research combined in-depth interviews with 41 young women who had either continued with a pregnancy or had an abortion and focus groups involving other young people and parents. It found that:

• Almost all the teenagers had been shocked to discover they were pregnant. There was no evidence that any of them had deliberately become pregnant to secure economic independence or housing.
• By the time pregnancy had been confirmed, young women often had only a few weeks to decide whether to continue or seek an abortion.
• Young women were primarily influenced by their own, pre-existing views and the attitudes and experiences of those around them. Anti-abortion views were quite prevalent in the study area and families had generally not discussed abortion as an option.
• Young motherhood was relatively common in the locality, with the result that young women and their families had often discussed teenage pregnancy before it became an issue for them.
• Boyfriends were sometimes influential in shaping the decision if they held strong views. However, many young fathers appeared to have let their girlfriends take the decision alone, or with their parents.
• For the few who had chosen abortion, knowing someone who had made the same decision, or was willing to offer advice, had been an important influence.
• Families, especially the young women’s own mothers, often played a crucial part in supporting teenagers who gave birth and in ensuring that mother and baby became an accepted part of the extended family.

Sharon Tabberer, a research fellow at the University of York and co-author of the study, said: “Our research suggests that information about abortion and early motherhood should be made more available so that young women are better informed. It also identifies a need for independent counselling, advice and support for teenagers from the time they first suspect they are pregnant. We welcome the steps that the Government’s Teenage Pregnancy Unit and the pilot Sure Start Plus programme are taking along these lines.”

She added: “Continuing support should be available to pregnant teenagers whatever they decide, but not least if their choice goes against expectations in the wider community.”