Woman facing a difficult decision: Psychosocial counselling in the decision making conflict of an unwanted pregnancy

Within a few weeks, women with unwanted pregnancies must be able to develop a coherent vision of their pregnancy, birth, subsequent lifestyle and accompanying problems, on which they can base their decisions. What is needed is a counselling concept that enables them to make an 'informed, self-determined and reflective decision' (Bitzer; Schwendke; Tschudin 2009). This paper develops guidelines for psychosocial counselling in cases of unwanted pregnancy, supplemented by methodological suggestions. To this end, the current literature on pregnancy and conflict was consulted and previously published concepts from Swiss specialist centres were evaluated. In addition to developing the guidelines, the following insights were gained during this work: Pregnancy conflicts are often based on other conflict situations; the relationship is considered the most important decision-making criterion for women with unwanted pregnancies; and the perception of the conflict is often limited, which also limits the search for a solution.