How to Talk to a Teen About Abortion

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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It is never a comfortable moment when a teen comes to you about getting an abortion and it is even worse when you are put in the position to approach the pregnant girl. But, in both of these situations it is important to know how to talk to a teen about abortion, even when you are not sure what the right decision is for her. Read on to learn how to talk to a teen about abortion.

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Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

Clarify that you cannot make the decision for her and that the choice to have an abortion or not to have an abortion is one that lies solely in her lap.
Step 2

Understand that this pregnant teen cannot comprehend how having a child can change her life. Some girls who become pregnant believe that babies will unconditionally love their mothers and will prevent the girl from ever being lonely.
Step 3

Explain to her that another option for having an abortion is giving the baby up for adoption. Nine months can seem like an eternity to a teen but for some girls having an abortion might give them a lifetime of guilt.
Step 4

Offer unconditional support for well thought out decisions, but be clear that impulsive, emotionally driven decisions are not good for anyone.
Step 5

Present accurate unbiased information about options for abortion procedures. If you are not knowledgeable about this, help the pregnant teen find this information from reliable sources such as the local Planned Parenthood.
Step 6

Encourage open discussion with the father of the baby and the pregnant girl's parents. This is not always possible, but it is important to have a support network established for the pregnant teen whether she decides to have an abortion or not.

Tips & Warnings

Remind the pregnant teen that her pregnancy should not be shared with everyone right away, this is for medical reasons as well as for social complications that she may face while making the important decision of whether to abort her pregnancy.

Comments

angelmomma2 said

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on 10/31/2009 Abortions are just plain wrong it is murder no matter how people sugar coat it. Most teens are so uneducated about this issue and they regard abortion as an easy way out. Abortions are cruel procedures. Chemical abortions shrivel and burn a baby's skin off while still in the womb. Late term and regular abortions are done while the baby feels everything. Scissors are jabbed into the skull then they are opened up and twisted to scramble their little brains! Teens should know what really happens before they go through with an abortion. I am so shocked that adoption is really not considered a choice. If you are raped give the baby up don't kill an innocent baby!

Galadriel724 said

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on 8/5/2009 Kids and teens make errors in judgement just like the rest of us. If you raise your kids right "you TEEN" will feel more comfortable coming to you with any problem big or small.

breathtobreath said

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on 3/3/2009 Well written article without the fallacies of Religious Reich.

mimis said

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on 12/11/2008 Planned Parenthood is in the business of abortions, not giving adequate counseling. There are a lot of Pregnancy Help Centers that give adequate and honest counseling and also help mothers with costs of food, diapers, medical, etc. Give a balanced choice. Planned Parenthood is an organization which is not at all what it purports itself to be. Be Aware!