Abstract
This study aimed to determine the perception of health care professionals in regards to the abandonment of children and giving up of children for adoption, as well as the reasons that lead a mother to take these actions. Seven health care professionals participated in the study, including nursing technicians, nurses, and physicians. The working experience of these professionals ranged from 5 to 23 years. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview, approaching the opinion of the participants about abandonment and giving up infants, as well as motivations regarding taking these actions. The responses were qualitatively analyzed, enabling the emergence of three categories: 1) Different pathways: understanding the giving up of children as abandonment of care; 2) Possible explanations concerning the decision to give a child up for adoption; and 3) Before abandonment: factors involved in the act. The influence of social conceptions and personal beliefs about motherhood and the giving up or abandonment of children is discussed.
Child, Abandoned; Giving up Children; Health Personnel; Women’s Health