ter than that for women of childbearing age overall. Between 1973 and 1981, abortion rates for teenagers between 15 and 19 years went from 22.8 to 43.3 an increase of 90%. For teenagers below 15, the increase was 54%, from 5.6 to 8.6. In comparison the increase for all females of childbearing age was 80%, from 16.3 to 29.3 (Melon 1986:46)The rising rates of abortion in 1973 reflect a substantial rise in teenage sexual activity. By 1979 premarital sexual intercourse was not uncommon, with one out of two woman aged 15-19 reporting they had ever had sexual intercourse. For women, the average age for initial intercourse was 16.2 years. The average age for males was 15.7 years. Black women experienced intercourse at younger ages than whites. Over 36% of black females aged 15-19 had first experienced intercourse before age 15 and for whites it was 19%. (Melton 1986:81) Among sexually active woman who wish to avoid pregnancy but do not practice effective contraception, the percentage of pregnancies terminated by abortion is high because many unwanted pregnancies are aborted. A majority of teenage abortions are obtained by unmarried women, and abortion rates are higher for unmarried than for married teenagers overall. PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTSWomen who receive abortions usually have a number of psychological effects. Often, at first, the teenager feels relieved. This feeling of relief is present because they are glad that they wont ever have to deal with that baby again. In the long run the teenager have life-long damage such as feelings of guilt and regret.In addition to all of these negative feelings, it has been shown that there are, but few, positive results of an abortion. The teenager is most likely to have an increased use of birth control and usually more feelings of responsibility.CONSEQUENCESAbortion seems to have fewer and less socioeconomic consequences for a teenager than carrying a pregnancy to term and raising a child...
