The effects of termination of pregnancy on black adolescent schoolgirls in the Eastern Free State

The procurement of termination of pregnancy (TOP) by schoolgirls has become a concern since adolescent girls eighteen years and younger account for over half of legal -. terminations procured in South Africa (2001). This study examines the effects of TOP on black adolescent schoolgirls in the Eastern Free State. For the empirical research data were gathered through structured interviews with Life Orientation educators who observed and assisted TOP procurers at their respective schools as well as adolescents undergoing TOP procurement at a designated institution in the Eastern Free State. Permission to conduct the study was granted by the Free State departments of Education and Health. The ethical authenticity of the study was verified by the Ethics Committee at the University of the Free State. Findings of the study suggest that, beside psychological and emotional pain and affiiction, legal termination presents little or no serious health risks and is therefore generally safe. However, a decline in academic achievement and certain adjustment and relationship problems among learners who procured TOP could be observed. Withdrawal, absenteeism, dropping out of school and a lowered self-esteem also occurred. Attempts at alleviating the negative effects of TOP on schoolgirls are therefore appropriate. Findings (e.g. minimum efforts in assisting these learners to cope at school and inadequately trained educators in dealing with related problems) suggest the need for educator training in this regard. Further recommendations of the study are the implementation of pregnancy prevention programmes, relevant counselling and the establishment of an inter-institutional forum for TOP as ameliorative measures.