Teen abortions are real. About 200,000 teens choose to have an abortion each year, according to teenpregnancy.org. The younger the teen, the more likely she’ll seek to end the pregnancy.
Many states do not require parental consent. This means that your teen daughter can make the decision about the life of her baby and her health without you knowing it.
Throughout my life, I have met many women who chose abortion for many reasons. We all probably know someone–a family member, a close friend and an acquaintance–who has had an abortion. We care about them. We love them. We want God’s best for them.
Do you have a teen daughter or granddaughter or do you know any teen girl who has chosen to end her pregnancy? If so, she needs you now more than ever because her emotional state is fragile.
Here are some things you need to know and a few suggestions to help her through this time.
1. Teens who choose abortion are at risk for substance abuse, depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts.
2. Other emotional side effects can include sleeping problems such as nightmares, regret, guilt, shame and anger.
3. A teen who chooses abortion may face a lifetime of emotional turmoil if she doesn’t receive love and grace. Let the Lord use you to show her these gifts.
4. Talk to your daughter or granddaughter about abortion. If she is pregnant, make sure she is aware of all her options such as adoption or how she can receive emotional and financial help to raise her baby, if she chooses.
5. Talk to your daughter often about the spiritual, physical and emotional consequences of sex and safe sex before pregnancy becomes an issue.
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. (Lamentations 3:22)
