There can be various reasons why an adolescent with an unwanted pregnancy will resort to an unsafe abortion.

Reasons why an adolescent or young woman might seek an abortion

Education: fear of dropping out of school or interrupting her studies.

Economic factors: fear of not having the financial ability to support herself and her child.

Social condemnation: fear of what her parents or other people might think or say; a wish to avoid bringing shame and condemnation or blame on herself and her family.

Not having a stable relationship: this is more common in adolescents than in adults.

Circumstances of sexual intercourse: an abortion may also be sought where the pregnancy is a consequence of coerced sex, including rape and incest.

Last modified: Tuesday, 1 July 2014, 4:21 PM