“At the End of the Day it’s Their choice”: An Exploratory Qualitative Study of Pregnancy Options Counseling

ABSTRACT

This study’s purpose was to explore the current models and approaches of pregnancy options counseling across three types of agency settings in a Northeastern state. Additionally, this study aimed to determine if individuals who receive pregnancy options counseling obtained medically factual, non-directive, and non-biased information needed to make informed decisions related to their pregnancy decisions. Using qualitative research methodology, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 participants across three different agency settings in one state in the Northeastern United States. Results indicated agencies shared a definition of pregnancy options counseling. Outcomes also suggest agency type impacted how pregnancy options counseling was delivered, as variations were found in education provided to patients. Lastly, the interviews imply no standardized model or training for pregnancy options counselors is currently being used.

KEYWORDS:

• Pregnancy options counseling
• pregnancy resource center
• adoption agency
• abortion clinic
• unplanned pregnancy
• reproductive decision-making
• social work
• public health

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge Lillian Pletcher, BSW, an undergraduate research assistant for her contributions to this study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1. Because pregnancy options counseling may be confused with other terms, this eligibility criteria ensured participants were providing education on all options rather than information on just abortion or adoption options. Options education terms were deemed eligible, because to potential clients this language may mean “pregnancy options counseling”

2. Note: Mifeprex (mifepristone) is FDA approved, however, the FDA warns against buying Mifeprex over the internet, without a prescribing physician. Additionally, the FDA imposed a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) that limits its distribution. See https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/mifeprex-mifepristone-information for more information.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.