[Abortions on demand in adolescents]

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Adolescent Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Pregnancy in teenagers presents significant life choices, including abortion.
• Adolescent abortion rates and associated factors require careful study.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the psychological status, sexual behavior, and motivations for abortion in adolescents.
• To document operative methods and complications of voluntary abortions in teenagers.
• To assess trends in teenage abortion and delivery rates.

Main Methods:

• Observational study of 463 female adolescents (aged 13-17) undergoing voluntary abortion.
• Data collected over a 6-year period (1988-1993).
• Analysis included psychological status, contraceptive use, sexual behavior, abortion motivation, methods, and complications.

Main Results:

• An abortion rate of 2.33% was observed in the study department.
• A trend towards increasing teenage deliveries was noted.
• Medical complications included uterine perforation (0.65%) and endometritis (9.29%), particularly in pregnancies over 16-20 weeks gestation.
• Teenagers perceived the abortion process as stressful, with potential for psychological disorders.

Conclusions:

• Adolescent abortion is associated with significant medical risks, especially in later gestations.
• The abortion experience is psychologically stressful for teenagers.
• There is a need for comprehensive reproductive health support and counseling for adolescents.