Unheard little voices: a phenomenological study on the impacts of social stigma and discrimination on adolescent pregnancy and abortion.

Abstract

In developing countries like the Philippines, pregnancy among adolescents has been continuously rising for the past years. Aside from this, a growing number of adolescent women were also reported to have been resorting to unsafe abortion. Thus, it is the objective of this study to look into the life experiences of young moms in order to discern the reasons why women resort to abortion. The study also aims to determine how social stigma and discrimination affect pregnant adolescent’s decision-making, specifically on deciding on whether to push through with their pregnancies or end it through induced abortion. In this phenomenological qualitative research, in-depth interviews were conducted among young moms who had their pregnancy during their adolescent years. Two groups of adolescent women, on the other hand, were asked to take part in focus group discussions. Experts in the field of obstetric care were also interviewed. Findings show that young people lack adequate knowledge when it comes to sexual and reproductive health matters. The absence of sex education in the country is one of the primary perpetrators behind the soaring rates of adolescent pregnancy. Furthermore, given the conservative culture of the country, pregnant adolescents and young moms are more often than not, stigmatized and discriminated. These stigmatization and discrimination, along with shame, fear of being disowned and pregnancy’s possible adverse effect to schooling push young women to resort to abortion. The results of the study reaffirms the need for a comprehensive sexual and reproductive health program that will provide young people the necessary knowledge and awareness to protect themselves from early and unintended pregnancy, as well as from sexually transmitted infections. The findings also highlight the need for a non-judgmental and open minded health providers as well as a specialized sexual and reproductive healthcare program that will cater to the needs of young people.