Out of 23 pregnant girls aged 16 or 17, 22 had abortions. Some of these abortions were carried out either illegally in Hong Kong, or on the mainland. 'Teenage girls may not notice the psychological influences that their pregnancy has on them. They don't want others to know and just want to solve the problem and start a new life,' said Ng Wai-man, the Project Hyacinth team leader.

At three or four months into the pregnancy the baby begins to move and the mother realises she has a living child inside her.

'Yet, due to restrictions in reality, they have no choice but to have an abortion. They feel guilty and cry a lot afterwards. They may even write letters to the baby or leave a place for it next to them in bed. Sometimes they have nightmares,' Ms Ng said.

Falling pregnant doesn't only happen to girls who come from broken homes or those who have given in to peer pressure. It can happen to anyone. The Caritas survey showed that the majority of girls fell pregnant from 14 to 19, within six months of dating the child's father.

But one of the key factors is the lack of communication with adults. Sophia Wong Chak-shan, of Pregnant Girls' Services at Mother's Choice, says pregnant teens would not make the wrong decisions if they had more communication with adults.

Ms Wong said parents should look out for signs that their daughter could be pregnant, such as a change in appetite.

In this way the child would not have to make the decision alone.

Pregnant Girls' Services Hotline: 2868 2022; Family Planning Association: 2575 4477

Blanche (not her real name), 22

had her first abortion at 16

was scared, lonely, helpless, nervous, disappointed and angry at herself and her boyfriend

was afraid to let her peers know because they might look down on her

approached the Family Planning Association for help and attended counselling sessions

suffered sight depression after the abortion

had no one to talk to

was afraid to have sex again for a period of time

began to make sure that she has safe sex