Teenage abortion can have lifetime impact

Girls under the age of 17 are more likely to suffer permanent damage to child bearing organs following abortion procedures. This was revealed yesterday by Dr Jeanette Pinto, director of the Diocesan Human Life Com-mitee who spoke at length about the effects of abortion on women and families as the Human Life International (HLI) three-day Caribbean conference continued. In addressing the conference, Dr Pinto revealed that girls who had abortions at early stages in their lives are more than likely never to conceive. “There are so many effects that women are exposed to when they decide to have an abortion. “When an abortion is done, the woman’s cervix is damaged. But when a girl has an abortion, the cervix, which is still ‘green’ is not fully prepared for a rupture like that. The cervix is usually stretched causing it to lose its elasticity.

“This, therefore, leads to an incompetent cervix. Following this, the young woman is likely to suffer a number of mishaps,” said Dr Pinto. Dr Pinto continued: “We want our youth to understand that human sexuality is a beautiful thing, but it is not something that should be abused.” Following the address by the HLI director, members of the audience brought to the fore, their opinions and experiences on the issue of abortion. One major issue raised by members of the gathering was the long term effects after the abortion procedure is carried out. Apart from the physical aspects, it was also revealed that a number of psychological effects can occur as well.

Post-traumatic Stress Disorders, Insomnia, promiscuity, sexual frigidity and suicidal attempts are just some of the effects listed. Addressing the youth forum of the three-day conference was Professor Surendra Arjoon, lecturer and head of the Department of Management Studies at the University of the West Indies, Trinidad. Professor Arjoon touched on topics such as chastity and other issues of human sexuality often faced by the youth. “You must know that your conscience is something that lives with us. “If there is an appetite for sex, you have to know that this can be controlled. People have to understand that sexual desires and urges will pass.” The conference ends today.