“I took the risk by having sex and now I'm pregnant. This was not the time in my life when I wanted to start a family, but things don't always turn out the way you expect.”
—Jenna, 18, TX
Sex Education by Teens, for Teens!
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“I took the risk by having sex and now I'm pregnant. This was not the time in my life when I wanted to start a family, but things don't always turn out the way you expect.”
—Jenna, 18, TX
What are the pros and cons of abortion?
There are many, many pros and cons to think about. Here is a link to an online journal that can help you come up with more pros and cons for yourself.
Here's our list of things to take into consideration:
Like all the pregnancy options, abortion is a very personal choice. That’s why it’s so controversial. Some people feel strongly that abortion is wrong. Many others believe it’s the woman’s right to have this choice.
You need to think about your moral and religious beliefs. Do you believe abortion is wrong? Are you being pressured into an abortion? If you feel this way, consider other options.
If, on the other hand, you believe abortion is a woman’s right and that this is the best way for you to deal with an unplanned pregnancy, then you should know that abortion is a safe, legal medical procedure, when done early in a pregnancy.
There are organizations that can help you pay for an abortion if can't afford it such as the National Network for Abortion Funds. There are also Web sites devoted to helping women think through the abortion decision (see the Abortion Conversation project) as well as hotlines like Exhale where you can call after the procedure to talk about the experience.
Whatever you choose, be sure you do it because it’s the best choice for you. And don’t wait. The longer you wait, the more complicated your decision becomes.
For more information on abortion, check out the topic area called "abortion," including FAQs and teen-written stories.