Abortion, the medical or surgical termination of a
pregnancy, is one of the oldest, most commonly
practiced, and most controversial medical procedures
performed in the United States. Pregnancy
and abortion are intertwined with close relationships;
pregnancy is of course the natural result
of a sexual relationship (brief or long lasting)
between a female and a male partner. The decision
to deliver versus terminate a pregnancy is
often based on relationship issues, and close others
frequently are involved in the decision process.
Support and/or conflict with close others influence
women’s coping and adaptation following abortion.
And delivering versus terminating a pregnancy
can affect close relationships. Following is
a brief discussion of each of these issues.