‘She looked like hope’: an IPA study of young Black women’s experience of raising a child born from a rape-pregnancy in the UK

Abstract

This study explores the psychosocial experiences of Black women in the UK who became mothers following pregnancies conceived through rape. Despite the profound impact of rape-pregnancy, research remains limited, particularly within Black British communities. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight Black women, and data were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Findings show how participants navigated psychosocial trauma responses, maternity decisions, disclosure within healthcare and to their daughters, faith influences, and the role of daughters in recovery. Women reported negotiating stigma, trauma and cultural expectations while developing resilient maternal identities. Their accounts highlighted the role of maternity care, family and faith systems as sources of both support and harm. The study underscores the need for survivor-centred, culturally responsive practice and policy reform to strengthen support for mothers following rape pregnancy.