Conclusion: Young women's pregnancy decisions involve a series of choices. But while women can and do make such choices, there are many elements that contribute to the final outcome. The researchers conclude that policy needs to take account of following: * Young women's decisions about pregnancy are shaped by social circumstance and personal relationships. * Many young women get satisfaction from motherhood, and need medical services that accept their choice. * Young women's expectations about what can be achieved through education and success in the world of work affect their decision-making. * Building on developments in abortion provision, quality and care and making it clear that abortion is an aspect of reproductive health care and family planning could make abortion less stigmatised. Greater discussion in school-based sex and relationships education, or the wider availability of literature that spells out the options, might also help in this. * Access to family planning and sexual health services, and the availability of independent sector abortion provision, directly affect abortion proportions. * Abortion services vary in quality and are particularly uneven in dealing with abortion in the second trimester. Not all young women currently get sympathetic and caring treatment at consultation and procedure that fully takes into account their needs.

Joseph Rowntree Foundation

'Influences on young women's decisions about abortion or motherhood' Ellie Lee, Steve Clements, Roger Ingham and Nicole Stone, 2004