Planned pregnancies are a 'false reality'; a large portion of pregnancies are unintended

The notion of a 'planned pregnancy' is a comforting illusion, according to research conducted at Amsterdam UMC. Our investigation into unintended pregnancies, led by Wieke Beumer, found that the reality is far more complex and nuanced than policy terms like 'unintended' suggest. Many individuals experiencing what is labeled an 'unintended' pregnancy actually harbor a desire for children, but the timing was not what they envisioned.

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The predictability of pregnancy is an illusion. A large part of pregnancies are unintended.

Beumer's research underscores the significant emotional resilience of those navigating these situations. Whether they choose to carry the pregnancy to term or opt for abortion, the decision often marks a turning point, allowing them to move forward with their lives. This contrasts sharply with the societal tendency to frame such pregnancies as mere 'accidents' or 'unwanted events,' overlooking the intricate personal circumstances and desires involved.

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It is actually a policy term that does not fully cover the meaning. It implies that the pregnancy was unplanned, an accident, or unwanted. In reality, it is not that black and white.

The study also confronts the persistent stigma surrounding unintended pregnancies. Beumer argues that this shame is exacerbated by sexual education that focuses solely on prevention and a societal emphasis on individual responsibility, which can unfairly burden women. Furthermore, the effectiveness and accessibility of contraception are called into question, with side effects, cost, and human error all playing a role in why pregnancies occur when they are not planned.

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Many people from my research did have a desire for children. For example, they wanted to get pregnant in a few years, but suddenly they were expecting. I also spoke with people who had no roof over their heads, but when the child announced itself, they really wanted it.

From our perspective, this research is vital for fostering a more compassionate and realistic understanding of reproductive health in the Netherlands. It challenges simplistic narratives and calls for greater empathy towards individuals facing complex decisions. The findings remind us that pregnancy, even when ultimately welcomed, is a profound and often unpredictable journey, marked by physical and emotional challenges that deserve open acknowledgment, not judgment.

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Shame plays a big role in an unintended pregnancy. I don't find that strange at all. Because with sex education at school, you are taught what you can do to prevent a pregnancy. In this era of neoliberalism, there is also an emphasis on the woman's personal responsibility, as if she could have easily prevented it.