Make a Determination to Bear a Child

Abstract

This study uses Carol Gilligan's ethics of care theory to investigate the case of a woman who experienced an unexpected pregnancy and decided to "bear" her child. We focused on the one of the 48 pregnant women interviewed in the Ibaraki Cohort Study. The woman talked about her anxiety and distress with close relations and negotiated with them, occasionally even rejecting their views, to have her baby. During the process, we observed her assume responsibility for her pregnancy while considering herself and those around her. Others also lent her their support and built relationships of care with her. Thus, the study shows that a pregnant woman can take the responsibility of giving birth when she has relationships of care.