It is very easy for us to condemn other people because we do not want to be seen as someone with a different opinion. We say abortion is a sin or murder because that is what society expects us to say.

But take some time and reflect on the following questions:

• What would you do if you were in a similar position: faced with pregnancy and you do not want to miss your education
• You are not ready to have a child, too young, dependent or alone and you just cannot support the baby
• You really did your best to prevent it - you used contraceptives but they failed this time
• Your parents might disown you when they find out
• What if the pregnancy is a result of rape - by a stranger, a close relative - a father or an uncle
• What if it is you, your sister, your friend, what will you do?

For many young people, the dilemma of deciding whether or not to terminate an unwanted pregnancy is probably one of the biggest decisions they will ever face.

This is why care and support for young people is so important. It is even more difficult because many of us have no idea what abortion is like, what to do or where to go.

Even in countries where it is legal, the shame, stigma and guilt attached to abortion is greater for young people than adults.

Young people who choose abortion are still blamed for being irresponsible and not taking sufficient care. This is based on the false notion that all young people have access to contraceptive services and are always able to protect themselves.

Contents

• Young people and abortion
• Should abortion be legal?
• Human Rights and Abortion