Effect Of Abortion On Adolescent In Selected Higher Institution In Nigeria

1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

Abortion has become a highly volatile moral issue in which neutrality proves almost impossible (Novak, 1993). Looking back in time, the concept proves itself not uncommon even to the most primitive societies where feticide for instance, was considered one of the ‘abominations of Egypt’ (Bleich, 1968). For the Kenyan context, this is reflected in what has been termed as ‘female crimes’ whereby abortion accounts for 84% of these crimes by young women aged 16 – 25 years (Njonjo, 2010). With such statistics, it is quite clear why this topic is heavily studied and researched on. It must be highlighted though, that people’s views on abortion reflect their beliefs on fundamentally important issues such as when life begins, when the rights of the fetus become equal to the rights of the mother and whether or not we have complete sovereignty over our own bodies (Gleeson, Forde, Bates, Powell, Jones & Draper, 2008). 

Abortion is the termination of a pregnancy associated with the death and expulsion of a fetus from a uterus before it reaches the stage of viability. An abortion may occur spontaneously, in normal parlance it is called a miscarriage, or it may be brought on purposefully in which case it is often called an induced abortion (www.britannica.com).

The issue of abortion has attracted substantial attention in recent times in Nigeria and everywhere in the world; abortion has therefore become a global issue (Alimson, 2001). The major concern in most of the discussions on abortion and related situation draws heavily from the fact that abortion constitutes severe danger to a woman’s health, but at the same time when performed by medical specialist (i.e abortion specialists) abortions are safe for the woman, and relatively simple. Religious institutions are against the abortion process as they believe abortion is a process of committing murder and murderer are seen as sinners (Knight, 2003) Whey the society frowns at it is because of the inherent fact that if the phenomenon is

not regulated it would impact negatively on the population growth and also on the welfare of women (Barreto, 1992).

Abortion is therefore forbidden in many societies especially the traditional ones. The “abrupt removal” or premature termination of babies are said to be as a result of certain factors.

Abortions that are performed to preserve the well-being of the female or in case of rape or incest are therapeutic or justifiable abortions. Induced abortion is accepted on some countries but in other countries it is highly forbidden.

However, other factors (economic social, educational, and family size) have equally become prominent in respect to abortion or pregnancy termination. Both male and female students are supposed to be sexually responsible since a lot of student’s in today’s society are already sexually active, but females always carry the bulk of the responsibility as they are the ones who would be greatly affected by any mistake (Alimson, 2001). 

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Statistics show that the number of clandestine abortions is high, with a report by Guttmacher (2012) estimating it to be at 2.4 million in East Africa. In a recent study in Buffalo more than 400 women were poled two years after they had an abortion, and it was found that only seven out of ten were glad for their decision, 12% were unsure, and 19% regretted it. (Western Report 1998, 29). This research seeks to determining the view students have of the unborn child and whether this has any impact on their decision regarding abortion. 

Mindful of the social stigma of having unwanted pregnancies, many young girls who become pregnant seek abortion as the only way to end unwanted pregnancies. This however, has serious health risks,

which sometime leads to death to young girls. For instance, unsafe abortion results in various complications such as haemorrhage, perforation of the uterus, secondary sterify and even death. It is also obvious that unsafe abortion has a devastating health impact as measured by deaths, illnesses, injuries and the cases of emergency care (Expanding Access to safe Abortion, 1993).

Beside the risks of unsafe abortion, there are serious health risks involved child bearing as an adolescent or teenager. For instance, teenagers face greater risk of pelvic bone immaturity, prolonged labour and other wise difficult birth.

The fear of been sent out of School or dropping out of school because of unwanted pregnancy makes adolescent involve in abortion and in order to abort the baby, they go to quack doctors because it is cheap or they take concoctions and this either kills them or destroys their womb. Money in this case is also a problem.

1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The main objective of this study is to identify the effect of abortion on adolescent in selected higher institution in Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study are as follows:

i. To identify the negative effect or disadvantages associated with involvement on abortion.

ii. To determine how abortion affect the society at large.

iii. To suggest means or possible ways to prevent or reduce the negative effect caused by abortion among adolescent.

iv. To examine those factors that influence female adolescent to get involved in abortion.

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

This study will seek answers to questions such as:

1. What are the negative effects or disadvantage associated with involvement in abortion?

2. How can abortion affect the society at large?

3. What are the best possible ways to prevent or reduce the negative effect caused by abortion among adolescent?

4. What are the factors that influence female adolescent to get involved in abortion?

1.5 Scope of Study

The research work was carried out to examine the effect of abortion on adolescent in a selected higher institution in Nigeria. Female students in selected institution were the target of the study.

1.6. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The findings of this study will be beneficial to the following persons:

i. Students: They will be provided with information necessary to avert dangers of the effect of abortion especially as it concerns academic achievement. This information will guide the female students on the proper health habits which enhance academic performance.

ii. Family and School Authorities: They would equally benefit from this study by making sure that they keep their teenage girls busy at home, and ensure that they read good books, watch educative films, and avoid violent and romantic films.

iii. Health systems research: This will serve as a guide or reference material for future to map out strategies to combat the problems associated with the effect of abortion among female students.

iv. Public in General: It will help to create awareness to the public on the existence of the negative effect of teenagers abortion towards health.

v. Government: It will helps the government to plan for intervention and promulgate policies against criminal abortion (teenagers abortion).

1.7 DEFINITION OF TERMS

Abortion: Is the expulsion or removal of embryo or foetus from the uterus at a stage of pregnancy.

Effects: A result or condition produced by a cause, something that happens when a thing acts on another.

Complication: Is the disease or condition arising during the course of consequence of another disease.

Sexuality: Interest in the expression of the ability to take part in sexual activity.