Adolescent abortion: trends and techniques

Abstract

The adolescent years are often characterized by high-risk behaviors. These behaviors carry consequences with them, including pregnancy and abortion. Although the abortion rate for adolescents has been decreasing since 1990, not all groups have seen an equal drop; notably, those adolescents not in school and members of minority groups are experiencing slower rates of decline. Adolescents undergo the same methods of abortion as adults; however, they have unique psychosocial needs, such as parental involvement and the prevention of future unwanted pregnancies, which should be assessed.