No Baby Mama Drama: Examining Early Influences On the Choice to Avoid Pregnancy in Young Adult African American Women

Abstract

The choice to be sexually active yet avoid pregnancy among young adult women is influenced by an array of personal, familial, cultural, and social factors. In this exploratory study, the authors conducted focus group sessions with sexually active African American college females who have chosen to put off childbearing while pursuing educational goals. Parents, peers and peer-modeling, healthcare workers, and the media were influential in shaping participants' sexual attitudes and practices. Ultimately, a unique identity and purpose in achieving goals lead these young women to forge their own paths.

Keywords:

• African American women
• women and sexuality
• sexual values
• unplanned pregnancy