I agree with everything you say, women must have a choice and in some cases be protected. The Health Centre I worked in was in Dorset, an affluent area and the young people have a dedicated clinic, school nurses, family planning clinic and a drop in centre, all of whom provide contraception to all ages as long as they are considered able to consent. I also agree that if these methods fail, or even if they are careless, of course they must be given a choice and treated in the strictest of confidence.
The rate of teenage pregnancy and STI was high in my area, despite all of these services. I don't know what the answer is, women should not be demonised, nor feel isolated under any circumstances. I feel that a balance, however, is necessary to help girls make an informed decision and be able to see the consequences. I think that there are many women in their 30s who are still coming to terms with an earlier abortion in the UK, partly down to the way that this is offered. I did a one day placement at the British Pregnancy Advisory Service, the clinics where the procedure is done,(only in the ward, I couldn't face the theatre)and it is made so non judgemental and caring, it is easy for people to believe that they are having nothing more complicated than a tooth extraction.
Personally I am not so worried about the physical aspect, but very sad for the emotional wellbeing of women who have to live with a decision that they didn't think about at the time.
That said, your points does make me realise that going the other way could also cause terrible hardship and danger to those same girls. What is the answer?
I agree with everything you say, women must have a choice and in some cases be protected. The Health Centre I worked in was in Dorset, an affluent area and the young people have a dedicated clinic, school nurses, family planning clinic and a drop in centre, all of whom provide contraception to all ages as long as they are considered able to consent. I also agree that if these methods fail, or even if they are careless, of course they must be given a choice and treated in the strictest of confidence.
The rate of teenage pregnancy and STI was high in my area, despite all of these services. I don't know what the answer is, women should not be demonised, nor feel isolated under any circumstances. I feel that a balance, however, is necessary to help girls make an informed decision and be able to see the consequences. I think that there are many women in their 30s who are still coming to terms with an earlier abortion in the UK, partly down to the way that this is offered. I did a one day placement at the British Pregnancy Advisory Service, the clinics where the procedure is done,(only in the ward, I couldn't face the theatre)and it is made so non judgemental and caring, it is easy for people to believe that they are having nothing more complicated than a tooth extraction.
Personally I am not so worried about the physical aspect, but very sad for the emotional wellbeing of women who have to live with a decision that they didn't think about at the time.
That said, your points does make me realise that going the other way could also cause terrible hardship and danger to those same girls. What is the answer?