I'm 14. Am I too young for an abortion?
I think one should probably approach abortion at age 14 with two aspects in mind. One is the physical aspect, and the other is the psychological aspect. From a physical point of view, I would consider that in the right hands, it is perfectly okay to have a termination in a fourteen year old patient. You have a gynaecologist: he knows perfectly well what he's doing, he's in surgery. You have an anaesthetist, and the abortion can be done without much physical risk - no more than there would be to a termination in any other age group. Having said that, I think there are important psychological issues to consider. A person of fourteen has not matured psychologically, and hence one needs to consider the risks of continuing with the pregnancy, the psychological problems with continuing with the pregnancy and the psychological problems of having a termination at the age of fourteen. Those can be very difficult to cope with. The problem really is that the decision is going to be based upon the psychological characteristics of that patient. It's really going to be a very individualised decision, and I think it has to be based upon a psychological assessment of the patient and discussion with the parents, if possible. I understand that in certain circumstances that may not be possible, but whenever possible I would consider that a very important part of the decision. Obviously, a consultation with the doctor who is normally involved with that child who may know that person in a little bit more detail, is also advised when considering an abortion.
