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10 times more likely to try to kill themselves * Teenage girls are ten times more likely to attempt suicide if they have had an abortion in the last six months than are teens who have not had an abortion.1 * Teens who abort are 2 to 4 times more likely to commit suicide than adults who abort,2 and a history of abortion is likely to be associated with adolescent suicidal thinking.3 * Overall suicide rates are 7 times higher among women who abort.4 * Teens who abort are more likely to develop psychological problems,5 and are nearly three times more likely to be admitted to mental health hospitals than teens in general.6 * About 40% of teen abortions take place with no parental involvement,7 leaving parents in the dark about subsequent emotional or physical problems. * Teens risk further injury or death because they are unlikely to inform parents of any physical complications. Some examples of teens who died from complications or suicide after they had abortions without telling their parents.8 Holly Patterson, California, died at age 18 Dawn Ravanell, New York, died at age 13 Erica Richardson, Maryland, died at age 16 Tamia Russell, Detroit, died at age 15 Sandra Kaiser, St. Louis, died at age 14 of suicide Sandra died 3 weeks after her half-sister took her for an abortion without telling Sandra€™s mother, who could have warned doctors about Sandra€™s history of psychological problems that put her at risk for more problems after abortion.9 * 65% higher risk of clinical depression among women who abort.10 * 65% experienced multiple symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among women who abort.11 * 64% of women surveyed after abortion reported that they felt pressured by others to abort.12

Am I pregnant? If you think you or your partner may be pregnant, you have a lot to consider. Thoughts about your future, your health, your family and your partner all must be considered when you are trying to decide whether to have an abortion, make an adoption plan or parent. You have the right to choose the option that is best for you. Health care clinics and social service agencies in your community offer pregnancy testing, counseling, information and referrals to aid you in your decision making process. To learn more about teen parenting, adoption or abortion click the buttons above.