A new study from Oregon Stat University and the University of California, San Francisco, found that having an abortion does not increase a pregnant teenagers likelihood of experiencing low self esteem or depression.
The researchers used data from 289 respondents to the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health). Data were taken from three survey waves, starting in 1994-1995, surveyed again one year later, and then five years after that. The study is available online and will appear in the December issue of Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health.
Lead author Jocelyn Warren, a post-doctoral research associate at OSU, said the study was intended to fill a major gap in abortion research.
"We know most teen pregnancies are not wanted pregnancies and an unwanted pregnancy can be very stressful," Warren said.
She said previous research has shown that adolescent girls who get pregnant report more depression and lower self-esteem compared to those who don't. "What we didn't know was whether psychological outcomes are worse for girls who choose abortion. This study says, 'No.'"
While it may be true that their is no evidence that abortion causes additional self esteem and depression problems among teens, it is important to note that pregnant teenagers as a whole report more depression and lower self esteem than their non-pregnant counterparts. I believe that there is something to be said for breaking through old limiting beliefs to overcome repression of our minds. .However, in this case, I think the emphasis should be placed on the fact that pregnant teens suffer more depression and lower self esteem.....not on the fact that teen abortions are no worse than teen pregnancies.
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