The decision to abort is made at the worst time

It is quite normal for a woman to be depressed when she realises she is pregnant. This may occur even when the pregnancy is planned, but is particularly severe when it is a young single girl who becomes aware that a baby is on the way. This is the time when she is in need of much sympathy, understanding and help to think calmly.

Unfortunately it is also the time when she feels least able to resist the pressure of parents, the father of the child or others, to have an abortion. Such a decision should not be taken during this time of depression.

The depression soon passes and is often followed at about 12 weeks by a strong, genuine and positive feeling of acceptance.

Although at first abortion may appear to be the best and easiest way of solving her problem, the wisest course is to allow enough time to make an informed decision after consideration has been given to alternatives to abortion, the child and to the very real dangers to the physical and emotional health of the mother.

Abortion is not a minor operation and does entail serious risks to the mother. There can be many complications including infection, haemorrhage, blood clotting, brain damage, perforation or laceration of the womb, and later in life, tubal pregnancies, miscarriages or premature births. Abortion can also cause sterility and thus prevents the conception of another child when it is wanted.