There can be various reasons why an adolescent with an unwanted pregnancy will resort to an unsafe abortion. Some of these reasons are shown in Box 3.1.

Box 3.1 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, 24 June 2014, 4:20 PM