The process of decision-making on abortion: A grounded theory study of young men in Sweden

Purpose: To gain knowledge of the attitudes, questions, and problems in decision making on abortion by young men recently informed about the positive pregnancy tests of their girlfriends. This knowledge will be used as a basis for developing a service for such young men. Methods: A grounded theory approach was used for interviews at an outpatient clinic for adolescents in Sweden with 18 individuals faced with sharing the decision about abortion. Results: In a suggested model, the decision-making process can be understood by three concepts: reactions (including feelings, apprehensions, and moral conflicts), impact factors (including quality of relationship, consideration for girlfriend, and psychosocial factors), and tools for process (including communication, secrecy/confidentiality, and organized support). Conclusions: This study suggests the importance of helping the male adolescent with his reactions as a condition for using the equipment constituting impact factors and tools for process on the way to decision about abortion. (C) Society for Adolescent Medicine, 2000.