Quandary about pregnancy decisions: a study of literate women

Abstract

Present study examine the dilemma of unwanted and unhappy pregnancy faced by literate women of Pakistan. Existing literature highlights this problematic situation for women. However, there is a need to precisely categorize the different experience of women either they face unwanted pregnancy or unhappy pregnancy. Current study fills the literature gap from examining the causes and experiences of unwanted pregnancy and unhappy pregnancy. Moreover, illuminate on the unavoidable reasons for women to get pregnant neglecting their personal wish and health. Research employs the qualitative research design, 20 interviews were conducted from the target population of literate women. Findings reveal major cause to have unwanted pregnancy is the low rate of contraceptive use among married couples. People hesitate to abort their unplanned pregnancy because of their religious believes. Unhappy pregnancy greatly cause because of the wish for male child in family. Existing patriarchal system of Pakistan accelerates the desire for son among married couples. Parents feel pressure, particularly from their immediate family and from society as a whole. This lived experience violates women reproductive rights as results in critical physical and mental ailments. Pregnancy particularly salient conundrum as Pakistani women face immense pressure to meet with appraise of ingrained traditional gender roles and expectations. People more partial to have son in family owing to entrenched cultural and economic deliberation. Policies needed to be address on cultural grounds to avoid the violation of women reproductive rights. This study will help policy makers to ponder over the deep rooted reasons that are responsible for the insufficient implementation of women rights in Pakistan.