Teenage abortion rates are soaring. In light of a more sexualised and experimental generation, is abortion providing an invaluable second chance or encouraging an increasingly flippant attitude towards sex?

When a story of a 16year-old girl who falls pregnant from a one-time sexual encounter, hit the big screen, it forced audiences around the world to acknowledge a growing phenomenon - teen pregnancy and the issues surrounding it. The topic of abortion has always spurred heated debates. With teenagers increasingly opting for abortions, is having that option available exacerbating a very serious and detrimental situation or is it providing teens an invaluable opportunity at a second chance?

For pro-life individuals, it's a clear-cut situation. A foetus is a human life and an abortion is the intentional ending of that life and is therefore no different from murder. It's understandable that pro-life individuals are exceptionally riled up when it comes to teenage abortions. Despite sex education at schools and easy access to contraceptives, teenagers continue to act irresponsibly when it comes to sex. A survey conducted showed that only half of sexually active young people between 16 and 23 use condoms. The same survey also showed that most girls would opt for an abortion should they find out they were pregnant before marriage. And because an abortion is a relatively convenient, quick and affordable solution, it can be argued that by allowing teenagers that option, it not only condones a flippant attitude towards sex, it also leaves them with the wrong message about the sanctity of life.

Pro-choice individuals believe that under no circumstances should a woman's right to control her own body be curtailed. By forcing a woman to continue an unwanted pregnancy, it subjugates a woman to the foetus. Thus, every woman should know that having the option open to them is a privilege not to be taken lightly because it protects one of the most empowering and precious female rights: The right to choose what happens to your body.

Abortions also have a more practical benefit: They give a young person the chance to start anew and lead life as she'd planned it. While it can be argued that girls should not be given an easy way out, it's worth noting that getting an abortion isn't exactly like getting a jab. It comes with an immense amount of psychological trauma and potentially serious health risks. In other words, by having an abortion, it doesn't necessarily mean you're "getting away" with your reckless behaviour.

There's no denying that sex comes with both physical and emotional risks. As we all make our way through the tumultuous years of growing up, some of us will be presented with dilemmas. That's why we've presented you with the information you need, so you can make the best decision for yourself.

According to studies, teens who go through abortions are 30 percent more likely to suffer from immediate complications and long-term reproductive damage.

Infections

An abortion while fighting a sexually transmitted infection increases your risk of contracting fertility damaging diseases. Endometritis, the inflammation of the uterus lining, or urinary tract infections can also occur.

Perforation of uterus

The puncturing or perforation of the uterus or womb can happen during an abortion. There is a chance in future pregnancies that the weakened spot will rupture.

Death

There is always a risk involved in anaesthesia and surgery but the risk is less than 0.1percent.

SURGICAL VACUUM ASPIIATION

General anaesthesia is first administered. While you're sedated, the cervix is dilated. A suction curette (a hollow tube with a sharp point on the tip) is inserted through the cervix into the womb. Using a vacuum aspirator with up to 29 times more suction capacity than a household vacuum cleaner, the contents of the womb is sucked out. The entire process takes about 10 to 15 minutes and the patient can go home after a few hours.

MEDICAL ABORTION

This is usually used when the foetus is between 12 to 24 weeks and too large to be safely removed via suction. Patients are admitted into the hospital where medication is inserted in the vagina at three-hour intervals tilt contractions expel the foetus and placenta. This is almost like going into labour, where the patient experiences quite a bit of pain before the foetus is expelled.

Don't underestimate the emotional impact of an abortion.

HOW DOES A TEENAGER USUALLY FEEL AFTER AN ABORTION?

Although there's no uniform pattern to their reactions, what is common is confusion and ambivalence after finding out they're pregnant. After the abortion, the individual might go through self-recrimination and feelings of shame.

ARE THERE ANY LONG-TERM PSYCHOLOGICAL PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH ABORTIONS?

A study from New Zealand showed that those who terminated an unwanted first pregnancy had a higher risk of depression. In fact, the chances of suffering from depression and other behavioural problems such as alcoholism are increased by two to three times if you've had an abortion.

HOW DO YOU COUNSEL A WOMAN WHO'S GONE THROUGH AN ABORTION?

If she's feeling guilty, I'll usually try to see her with her partner. There could have been a disagreement over the decision and I'll get them to talk about their stands and make them empathise with each other. If her guilt stems from religious reasons, I'll tell her why and how she should forgive herself. It's important she accepts what she did cannot be undone so she can move on.