In response to the recently reported cases of teenage pregnancy, and the number of youngsters choosing to have abortions, Caritas Youth and Community Service carried out a survey to investigate the problem.
Between November last year and January this year, 51 women under the age of 24 who had had at least one abortion were interviewed.
Results showed that one girl had her abortion when she was 13 or younger. Ten girls aged 14 or 15 fell pregnant and nine had abortions.
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.
