What response might be most helpful for the social worker when dealing with the client from a hostile parental background?

Empowering the client to make decisions about her pregnancy is the most helpful response because it directly supports the client’s autonomy and sense of agency. When a person comes from a hostile parental background, they may struggle with feelings of powerlessness or lack of control over their life circumstances. By encouraging the client to make her own decisions regarding her pregnancy, the social worker helps to build her confidence and self-efficacy. This approach validates the client’s experiences and honors her ability to navigate her life choices, which is critical in the healing process and can contribute significantly to her emotional well-being.

This response also sidesteps the potential negative impacts of encouraging distance from her parents or focusing solely on feelings of abandonment. While those elements may be relevant in therapy, directly empowering the client promotes proactive engagement with her current situation, rather than just reflecting on past trauma or relational issues. Advising her to return to her parents' home, on the other hand, might not be constructive given the hostile dynamics, as it could reintroduce negative influences in her life.