Circumstances of pregnancy: low income women in Georgia describe the difference between planned and unplanned pregnancies.
BACKGROUND
The United States has a higher rate of unintended pregnancies than many other developed countries despite the availability of effective contraception. Using Azjen's Theory of Planned Behavior and Luker's Theory of Contraceptive Risk Taking this qualitative study explores the reasons for the high rate of unintended pregnancy among low income women in Georgia.


METHODS
Six focus groups (N=39) were conducted at county health department clinics. Women were recruited at the clinics to participate in a discussion of Pregnancy and Motherhood. All English or Spanish speaking women between the ages of 18 and 49 were eligible for participation.


RESULTS
Three dimensions of pregnancy planning emerged-the decision to have a child, taking specific behaviors to increase the likelihood of conception, and making plans to care for a child. Planned pregnancies may occur when a couple or a woman decides that they are ready to have a child, but also occur in less stable situations that pose risks for the family and the child. Unplanned pregnancies may be welcomed or be unwanted depending on the circumstances. Women perceive advantages and disadvantages to planned and unplanned pregnancies.


CONCLUSIONS
There are major differences between the definition and values of planned and unplanned pregnancies promoted by public health practitioners and those of the women in our study. This suggests the need for research on the circumstances in which pregnancies occur, as well as targeted interventions and policies that help women and men define and achieve the circumstances in which they would like to bear and rear children.
Lifflander
Anne
A
Vera Institute of Justice, 233 Broadway, 12th Floor, New York, 10279, NY, USA. alifflander@vera.org
Gaydos
Laura M D
LM
Hogue
Carol J Rowland
CJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D035841:Behavioral Research; D003268:Contraception Behavior / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology; D003657:Decision Making; D005193:Family Planning Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D005845:Georgia; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D008875:Middle Aged; D011203:Poverty / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D049168:Pregnancy, Unplanned / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology*; D037841:Pregnant People / Q000523:psychology*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D014505:Urban Population