Abstract

ENRIQUEZ, Andrea; ORTUNO VILLAGOMEZ, Diego  and  SACOTO, Marie-France Merlyn. Adolescent women and young adults facing the issues of pregnancy and abortion: Different perceptions according to age? Study conducted in Quito, Ecuador (2017). Psicol. Conoc. Soc. [online]. 2019, vol.9, n.1, pp.5-25.  Epub June 01, 2019. ISSN 1688-7026.  https://doi.org/10.26864/pcs.v9.n1.5.

The objective of the study was to analyze the perceptions about pregnancy and abortion in two groups of women. One hundred adolescents and 100 young adults from Quito were surveyed; in addition, using a semi-structured interview, information about their experiences was collected. Differences on the perceptions of pregnancy were found between the two groups, subjects such as the requirements to be mothers, their own and grandparents’ responsibilities, emotions, social support, and choices in relation to pregnancy. Regarding abortion, there were differences concerning its general perception and social support. Results about feelings at the time of the abortion and in its current state, about the decision, the couple's reaction, among others, are presented. The results highlight the importance of refocusing sexual education, considering the stages of development of women, and relevant scientific information.

Keywords : Pregnancy; abortion; youth; adolescence.

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