1. Decisions about unplanned pregnancies and abortion among women and men in Morocco and Senegal : influence of norms, practices, and institutional contexts
- Author
-
Adjamagbo, Agnès, Guillaume, Agnès, Bakass, F., Bajos, N. (collab.), Ferrand, M. (collab.), Rossier, C. (collab.), Texeira, M. (collab.), Baya, B. (collab.), Soubeiga, A. (collab.), Sawadogo, N. (collab.), Chaker, A. (collab.), Gyapong, J. (collab.), Beikro, L. (collab.), Osei, I. (collab.), Aguessy Koné, P. (collab.), Gourbin, C. (collab.), Moreau, L. (collab.), MayHew, S. (collab.), and Collumbien, M. (collab.)
- Subjects
INTERRUPTION MEDICALE DE GROSSESSE ,COUPLE ,PLANIFICATION DE LA FAMILLE ,DROIT DE REPRODUCTION ,MORTALITE MATERNELLE ,SEXUALITE ,AVORTEMENT CLANDESTIN ,AVORTEMENT ,CONTRACEPTION ,PROCESSUS DE DECISION ,GROSSESSE NON DESIREE ,GROSSESSE ,SEXUALITE PRENUPTIALE ,NORME - Abstract
This paper examines how women or couples manage unplanned pregnancies in the capital cities of Morocco and Senegal (Rabat and Dakar), both subject to strict rules in terms of sexuality among single people. We analyze the social and individual logics prevailing when an unexpected pregnancy is announced and how decisions are made as to whether to continue or terminate the pregnancy. We analyse qualitative data from a program funded by the European Union between 2005 and 2009 on the use of emergency contraception in African cities. Our results show that despite the existence of effective family planning programs in Rabat, circumstances of sexual debut among women are difficult. In Dakar, although chastity before marriage is promoted, non-compliance with this rule is not as severely condemned than in Morocco. Choosing abortion when faced with unplanned pregnancy depends on people's life cycle and on the stage of their relationship. One practice contemplated at a given time in the relationship may no longer be feasible at another time. Finally, in both cities, our data highlight the strong involvement of families in managing couple relationships and their fertility. This influence seems further exacerbated in Morocco where families sometimes fiercely require or forbid abortion.
- Published
- 2014