Helen Cvejic, Irene Lipper, Robert A Kinch, Peter Benjamin
Canadian Medical Association Journal
Extract We agree with Mr. Matthews that these are valid concerns to consider as part of the abortion experience; they are being expressed by physicians, theologians and patients. Nevertheless, we, with our limited ability and knowledge, considered it our responsibility to study the effect of abortion on the patients in an adolescent clinic population.
Helen Cvejic, Irene Lipper, Robert A Kinch, Peter Benjamin
Canadian Medical Association Journal
Abstract Thirty-eight adolescents who underwent an abortion were studied by questionnaire and interview with a psychiatrist and a social worker 2 years after the abortion. Most did not regret their abortion and considered it a positive experience. Most said they would not have another abortion, although adoption was unanimously rejected as a choice for the pregnant teenager. Relations with their parents were generally good and the families were supportive in the decision-making process and in the postabortion period. The girl’s father had been absent because of death or separation in 37% of instances. A lengthy relationship with the putative father before the abortion was common, but 37% of the relationships were not able to withstand the pregnancy-abortion crisis. The proportion using contraceptives before the abortion was 2%, and 2 years after the abortion, 84%.
