The important role men play in pregnancy decisions

When a woman finds she is pregnant, current culture would have us believe the decision of whether to move forward with that pregnancy falls solely on her. However, a recent study shows men play a larger part than we may realize. 

A national study by Lifeway Research surveying men whose partners had an abortion found that about three-quarters of women discussed the decision with the father prior to the abortion. In many cases, men were the person most often cited as having influence on the final decision, more so than medical professionals or even family members.

Men’s responses varied: some encouraged their partner to have an abortion, others advised against it, and many offered no specific guidance. Reasons ranged from financial concerns and readiness for parenthood to relationship stability.

The study highlights that men’s emotional reactions to an unexpected pregnancy are complex, many expressed nervousness, fear, or excitement when they first learned about the pregnancy.

Understanding this reality helps Life Choices shape our approach. Men’s involvement isn’t merely a statistic; it’s a relational reality that affects how decisions are made and experienced. That’s why we are expanding support and mentorship opportunities specifically for men this year, so they can be encouraged to show up responsibly, compassionately, and with hope for all involved. Check back for more information in the coming months.