I know this sounds old-fashioned, but at least it does not use the weapon of guilt to beat the girls down to remaining virgins. In allowing abortions to be carried out on teenagers without their parents' knowledge, they are ultimately being encouraged to continue a life of deception where their parents are concerned. We understand the concern of the writers and of parents. However, it has been noted that teenage girls who find themselves pregnant are usually in a desperate situation and likely to resort to extreme measures. There are many contributing factors to the problem of teenage pregnancy.
Counselling is therefore a mandatory requirement before abortions can be carried out.
For unmarried girls below 16 years of age who seek an abortion, they have to undergo a structured abortion counselling session at the School Health Service conducted by trained nurses and medical social workers. The counselling aims to educate them on issues, such as responsible love, sexual behaviour and contraceptive methods, as well as look into psychosocial reasons which may predispose these girls towards sexual relationships and advise them on the social support available to prevent repeat pregnancies. During such counselling sessions, other options, such as carrying the foetus to term, are also discussed. While we appreciate the concerns of the writers, our concern has to be the health and safety of these teenagers. Courses are conducted for nurses to counsel patients who request for abortions - and these are trained professionals doing a specific and objective task.