Group Pushes for Abortion Education

Advisers on sex education in England are recommending that schools teach children about abortion from the age of 11. Proponents want schools to dispel 'myths' about abortion that might dissuade a teenager from terminating a pregnancy. The head of the advisory groups argues that "pregnant young women and their partners need to understand all the options open to them, including abortion, so that they can make an informed decision about whether or not to continue with their pregnancy." The group additionally argues that children are too often left ignorant and "ill-equipped to assess abortion as an option." Earlier this year the British High Court ruled that health care workers may help girls under the age of 16 receive abortions without informing parents. Opponents insist that "it is absolute rubbish to say that young people do not know about abortion. They know only too much about abortion." There were approximately 185,400 abortions performed in England and Wales during 2004, up from approximately 181,600 in 2003.

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