A Study on the Experiences of Institutionalized Unmarried Teenage Mothers: Pregnancy and Sexual Behaviors

The purpose of this study is to understand the subjective experiences of institutionalized, unmarried teenage mothers. Through structured in-depth interviews, we have explored their feelings and values about pregnancies, sexual behaviors, contraception, babies, adoption, babies' fathers, and their own families. Ten unmarried teenage mothers, who residing in welfare facilities located in Seoul, Kyonggi, and Kangwon, were interviewed. It turned out that the teenage mothers we interviewed had given little to no thought about pregnancy and contraception at the time conception. They contradicted themselves on a number of points. Since most of the fathers denied their responsibilities, the mothers were angry with the babies's fathers. At the same time, they felt humiliated about having to inform the babies' fathers about their pregnancy. They felt simultaneously sorry and resentful toward their own parents. They cared about their babies, yet they regretted not having had an abortion. Listening to what these mothers say will help the professionals and researchers to explicate certain preconceptions and prejudice about them, and to improve policies and services for them.

미혼모 보호 시설에 거주하는 10대 미혼모의 경험에 대한 연구: 성과 임신 관련 경험을 중심으로