Thinking about pregnancy and abortion

Most of us will know someone who got pregnant whilst still at school, or who had kids shortly after they left . Although people agree that teenagers can make good parents, the only real advantage most suggest is that you can 'grow up with' your children. With a supportive partner or family it could be easier, but most agree being a young single parent is tough .

Says that most of her school class mates now have children

Says that friends who are young fathers are struggling and that he at the moment is enjoying his life and does not want children.

Thinks most teenage mothers are silly, but knows one young mother who is married and seems very happy.

Many people believe the UK's high teenage pregnancy rate is a disgrace and blame British attitudes to sex, and poor sex education in schools (see 'Experiences of young mothers' and 'Experiences of young fathers').

Feels sorry for teenage mothers and thinks that the government and schools should do something. (Actor)

Ambition has been described as the best contraceptive - and this is often stated by women who've been to college or intend to have a career. Many are influenced by their parents instilling the need to be successful , and that having an unplanned pregnancy could be a problem . Some are opposed to abortion on religious or moral grounds, and others find their views on the subject change as they get older .

Ambition is the best contraception - her family always encouraged her to succeed. (Actor)

Says that he and his girlfriend used effective contraception to avoid the risk of an unwanted pregnancy. (Actor)

Might feel differently about having a pregnancy than she would have done as a teenager.

Women who had had pregnancy scares had usually thought harder about their views on abortion. Often this prompted them to review their contraceptive use , or take emergency contraception (see 'Emergency contraception') . Some people find they 'warm' to the idea of pregnancy during a scare.

Describes a pregnancy scare, after which she and her boyfriend resolved not to risk unprotected sex again. (Actor)

Describes a pregnancy scare and how her boyfriend was reassured by searching on the internet. (Actor)

Many people feel the best time to start a family is their late 20s or early 30s - although one 25 year old said 'It used to be 30 but its coming up very quickly, so maybe 35' .

Before having a baby they usually want to have sorted out their work and financial status , have a house, been travelling, have had a good time without responsibilities and be in a stable (or married) relationship .

Explains why he wants to have a child when he is older and is more financially stable.

At the moment it is important to avoid pregnancy, but thinks she will feel differently once she is qualified. (Actor)

Sometimes your views on children can alter when you meet a partner , some people want to spend time with their partner whilst others want children sooner. Some feel if they don't have sufficient time to enjoy their own youth and establish themselves in their careers, they might be resentful parents .

Her attitude has changed to having children now that she is in a settled relationship

Would have an abortion if she got pregnant now. If she had a baby she would have to give up too much and feels she would resent it.

Lesbians can consider having children after sperm donation , but many find the question of having children a difficult part of being gay .

Has discussed with her partner the possibility of having children with a male gay couple. (Actor)

Thinks that the main setback for lesbian couples is not to be able to have children as heterosexual couples do.

In the UK women are having children at a later age and a greater number than ever before never have children. Many women decide not to have children, but there are also many who want to but have difficulty conceiving - especially in their late 30s.

Although their ideal is to have a child in a happy stable relationship, some people may have children on their own, although stress the importance of there being a man in the child's life, even if he was not the biological father. .

Would consider having a child on her own, but thinks it is important for a child to have a man in their life.

Last reviewed April 2010.

Last updated April 2010.

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