tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1690958233504883253.post3596222798949985885..comments2023-09-17T11:18:48.053+01:00Comments on Education For Choice: decisions decisions...Education For Choicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16482936978729743948noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1690958233504883253.post-29023145905919098022011-05-09T11:57:52.209+01:002011-05-09T11:57:52.209+01:00I agree discussion of method is a *part* of a holi...I agree discussion of method is a *part* of a holistic programme of discussion about abortion, and it's something we always address if young people raise it (many young people don't want the precise details of the abortion, but are interested in the referral process). However, in terms of promoting contraception and motivating people to use it we find that just getting young people to empathise with the dilemma, the decision and all the factors that inform that process is enough to get them reaching for the condoms, or committing to not having sex again. Gore and fear clouds arguments, empathy, communication, knowledge and thoughtfulness are much better weapons against unintended pregnancy.<br />The reality of abortion in the UK is that it is accessible and free and people need to know that so that they don't delay seeking help because of ignorance or fear. This is not the same sa saying it's 'easy' and certainly not 'easier' than using contraception. The personal process of seeking abortion including the thinking and discussion that need to go into working out what's the right decision can be really hard - especially for a young woman who may not have supportive parents, supportive relationship etc. Many young people are ill-equipped to make decisions, having not reached an age they have had to take responsibility for themselves. I hope you're reassured to know that while our main focus of lessons is not how gruesome an abortion is, the main outcome of evaluations seems to be phrases like 'will never forget to use a condom now' 'hadn't thought about how hard the decision would be before' etc.Education For Choicehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16482936978729743948noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1690958233504883253.post-86572690437954873852011-05-03T16:31:49.514+01:002011-05-03T16:31:49.514+01:00I agree that focussing only on the process of an a...I agree that focussing only on the process of an abortion is a mistake, giving some of the 'gory details' might discourage the view I have heard from some young girls (and boys) that if they don't want to use contraception they can 'just get an abortion'. <br /><br />Obviously not all YP have that view, but it is out there. Knowledge of what an abortion actually involves might persuade them that an undesirable condom or pill is a better option.Amynoreply@blogger.com