Elisabeth Pruden

In the following viewpoint, Elisabeth Pruden argues that abortion is sometimes the best solution for pregnant teenagers. Describing her own decision to have an abortion as a teenager, she claims that she, like many other young girls, did not have enough support from either her family or the father of her baby to raise a child. Moreover, carrying the baby to term and giving it up for adoption was an undesirable option because of the social stigma attached to unwed pregnancy and the uncertainty of the baby’s future. Pruden, who is now married with one child, maintains that although her decision to abort her baby was difficult, it enabled her to finish her education and later—when she was ready for it— start a family.

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