Project – THE EFFECT OF ABORTION AMONG TEENAGE GIRLS IN GWAGWALADA AREA COUNCIL

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1    BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

Abortion has become a highly volatile moral issue in which neutrality proves almost impossible (Novak, 1993). Looking back in time, the concept proves itself not uncommon even to the most primitive societies where feticide for instance, was considered one of the ‘abominations of Egypt’ (Bleich, 1968). For the Kenyan context, this is reflected in what has been termed as ‘female crimes’ whereby abortion accounts for 84% of these crimes by young women aged 16 – 25 years (Njonjo, 2010). With such statistics, it is quite clear why this topic is heavily studied and researched on. It must be highlighted though, that people’s views on abortion reflect their beliefs on fundamentally important issues such as when life begins, when the rights of the fetus become equal to the rights of the mother and whether or not we have complete sovereignty over our own bodies (Gleeson, Forde, Bates, Powell, Jones & Draper, 2008).

Abortion is the termination of a pregnancy associated with the death and expulsion of a fetus from a uterus before it reaches the stage of viability. An abortion may occur spontaneously, in normal parlance it is called a miscarriage, or it may be brought on purposefully in which case it is often called an induced abortion (www.britannica.com).

The issue of abortion has attracted substantial attention in recent times in Nigeria and everywhere in the world; abortion has therefore become a global issue (Alimson, 2001). The major concern in most of the discussions on abortion and related situation draws heavily from the fact that abortion constitutes severe danger to a woman’s health, but at the same time when performed by medical specialist (i.e abortion specialists) abortions are safe for the woman, and relatively simple. Religious institutions are against the abortion process as they believe abortion is a process of committing murder and murderer are seen as sinners (Knight, 2003) Whey the society frowns at it is because of the inherent fact that if the phenomenon is

not regulated it would impact negatively on the population growth and also on the welfare of women (Barreto, 1992).

Abortion is therefore forbidden in many societies especially the traditional ones. The “abrupt removal” or premature termination of babies are said to be as a result of certain factors.

Abortions that are performed to preserve the well-being of the female or in case of rape or incest are therapeutic or justifiable abortions. Induced abortion is accepted on some countries but in other countries it is highly forbidden.

However, other factors (economic social, educational, and family size) have equally become prominent in respect to abortion or pregnancy termination. Both male and teenage girls are supposed to be sexually responsible since a lot of student’s in today’s society are already sexually active, but females always carry the bulk of the responsibility as they are the ones who would be greatly affected by any mistake (Alimson, 2001).

1.2    STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Statistics show that the number of clandestine abortions is high, with a report by Guttmacher (2012) estimating it to be at 2.4 million in East Africa. In a recent study in Buffalo more than 400 women were poled two years after they had an abortion, and it was found that only seven out of ten were glad for their decision, 12% were unsure, and 19% regretted it. (Western Report 1998, 29). This research seeks to determining the view teenage girls have of the unborn child and whether this has any impact on their decision regarding abortion.

Mindful of the social stigma of having unwanted pregnancies, many young girls who become pregnant seek abortion as the only way to end unwanted pregnancies. This however, has serious health risks,

which sometime leads to death to young girls. For instance, unsafe abortion results in various complications such as haemorrhage, perforation of the uterus, secondary sterify and even death. It is also obvious that unsafe abortion has a devastating health impact as measured by deaths, illnesses, injuries and the cases of emergency care (Expanding Access to safe Abortion, 1993).

Beside the risks of unsafe abortion, there are serious health risks involved child bearing as an adolescent or teenager. For instance, teenagers face greater risk of pelvic bone immaturity, prolonged labour and other wise difficult birth.

The fear of been sent out of School or dropping out of school because of unwanted pregnancy makes adolescent involve in abortion and in order to abort the baby, they go to quack doctors because it is cheap or they take concoctions and this either kills them or destroys their womb. Money in this case is also a problem.

1.3    OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The main objective of this study is to identify the effect of abortion among teenage girls in Gwagwalada Area Council. The specific objectives of the study are as follows:

1. To identify the negative effect or disadvantages associated with involvement in abortion.
2. To determine how abortion affect the society at large.
3. To suggest means or possible ways to prevent or reduce the negative effect caused by abortion among adolescent.
4. To examine those factors that influence female adolescent to get involved in abortion. 

1.4              RESEARCH QUESTIONS

This study will seek answers to questions such as:

1. What are the negative effects or disadvantage associated with involvement in abortion?
2. How can abortion affect the society at large?
3. What are the best possible ways to prevent or reduce the negative effect caused by abortion among adolescent?
4. What are the factors that influence female adolescent to get involved in abortion?

1.5   Scope of Study

The research work was carried out to examine the effect of abortion among teenage girls in Gwagwalada Area Council. Teenage girls in Gwagwalada Area Council were the target of the study.

1.6.    SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The significance of studying the effects of abortion among teenage girls in the Gwagwalada Area Council is multi-faceted. Firstly, it provides a comprehensive understanding of the prevalence and reasons behind teenage abortions in this specific area. This is crucial as it helps to identify the root causes, whether they are socio-economic, cultural, or related to lack of sexual education. By identifying these causes, appropriate interventions can be designed to address them.

Secondly, this study is significant as it sheds light on the health implications of abortion among teenage girls. Abortion, especially when performed in unsafe conditions, can lead to severe health complications, including infertility, infection, and even death. Understanding the health risks associated with abortion can help in formulating health policies and interventions aimed at reducing these risks among teenage girls in Gwagwalada Area Council.

Thirdly, the study is important as it provides insights into the psychological effects of abortion on teenage girls. Abortion can have profound psychological effects, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. By studying these effects, mental health professionals can develop targeted interventions to help these girls cope with their experiences.

Fourthly, the study is significant as it can help in the development of educational programs. The findings of the study can be used to design comprehensive sexual education programs that not only focus on the biological aspects of reproduction but also on the emotional, psychological, and social implications of sexual behavior. These programs can help in reducing the incidence of teenage pregnancies and, consequently, abortions.

Fifthly, the study is significant as it can influence policy-making. The findings can provide policymakers with the necessary data to formulate policies that protect the rights and health of teenage girls. These policies could include access to safe and legal abortion services, comprehensive sexual education, and access to contraception.

Lastly, the study is significant as it contributes to the existing body of knowledge on teenage abortion. It provides specific data on the Gwagwalada Area Council, which can be compared with data from other regions to gain a broader understanding of the issue. This can help in the development of national and even international strategies to address the issue of teenage abortion.

1.7    DEFINITION OF TERMS

Abortion: Is the expulsion or removal of embryo or foetus from the uterus at a stage of pregnancy.

 Effects: A result or condition produced by a cause, something that happens when a thing acts on another. 

Complication: Is the disease or condition arising during the course of consequence of another disease.

Sexuality: Interest in the expression of the ability to take part in sexual activity.

Effect: The term “effect” refers to the result or outcome of a particular action or situation. It signifies the impact or change that occurs as a result of an event or process.

Abortion: Abortion is a medical or surgical procedure that ends a pregnancy. It is often a controversial topic due to varying beliefs about when life begins and the rights of the mother versus the fetus.

Teenage Girls: This term refers to females who are in their teenage years, typically between the ages of 13 and 19. This period is often characterized by significant physical, emotional, and social changes as they transition from childhood to adulthood.

Project – THE EFFECT OF ABORTION AMONG TEENAGE GIRLS IN GWAGWALADA AREA COUNCIL