Concealed Pregnancy in Adolescent Women – A Reflection on Practice

Abstract

Using fictionalised case studies of two concealed pregnancies in adolescent women, both of whom wish to conceal their birth and relinquish their baby for adoption, this article discusses the literature around concealed pregnancy, adolescent brain development, legal framework for practice and woman-centred care. It is an exploration of whether I achieved the balance needed, when respecting a woman’s right to autonomy feels like a barrier to providing care that is in her best interests. The conclusion of the article is that respecting a woman’s autonomy (and therefore her right to conceal her birth) is central to the mother-midwife relationship and therefore woman-centred care, even when the woman is a teenager.