ABSTRACT
The chapter focuses on couple dynamics and their impacts on the experience of premarital abortion. It illustrates the role played by male partners during contraceptive negotiation and pregnancy resolution. It introduces the concept of “intimate trial” to analyze couple interactions during an abortion and discusses the women's reflections on sexuality and intimate relationships after abortion. The findings demonstrate that while the women had greater control within the domain of sex and intimacy compared to women of the past, they continued to face gendered prejudices and other constrictive socioeconomic circumstances when making relational and reproductive decisions. From their expectations in matchmaking and the couple interactions during contraceptive usage and abortion, it is evident that the women had to balance affectional and instrumental interests, their partner's desires, and their pragmatic concerns for future family formation to survive in a society full of uncertainties.
