Follow-Up Study of Children Born from Unwanted Pregnancies

Abstract

220 children born in Prague in 1961-63 when their mothers applied twice and were refused twice an interruption of this pregnancy were matched to children born from accepted pregnancies. The findings at the children's ninth year of age revealed some important differences in the disfavour of 'unwanted children'.

Both groups have been examined after a further six years. Differences in school achievement and in ratings of child's personality are more pronounced now than before. In Schludermann's CRPBI, unwanted children score significantly lower in 'mother's positive interest' and in 'directivity'.

The period of adolescence seems to enhance the social risk of children once born from unwanted pregnancies.

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References

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