APA Dictionary of Psychology

women who opt to raise a child without a partner. It is estimated that more than 40% of single mothers have never been married and that the largest number of unmarried women now choosing single motherhood are college educated, usually with stable economic resources. They may become pregnant by accident and then decide to bear and raise the child alone; they may plan the pregnancy and conceive with a male or through artificial insemination, intending to enter single motherhood; or they may adopt and raise a child on their own. See also single parent.