Abortion is one of the issues which most people can have strong feelings about. Some individuals consider this topic too controversial to be included in education programmes. But the Convention on the Rights of the Child supports the rights of the youth to get information on health, so this topic must be highlighted at schools and other institutions. Unfortunately, unplanned pregnancy and abortion are quite common cases that make childbirth the second most common cause of death for 15 to 19-year-old girls worldwide. Therefore, students need to learn more about it to form their own value system and make considerate choices. Health educators that work with students face numerous challenges while addressing this complicated topic in the classroom. As they need to equip the youth with accurate detailed information on pregnancy prevention and sexual decision-making, they should be very careful about their feelings and potential reactions.

Sometimes, students feel embarrassed to have a discussion on this theme with others, so they are looking for information themselves. They typically do it on the web using free online resources. But unfortunately, websites don’t always offer reliable information on this topic. That’s why college students are often misinformed. For getting accurate information on abortion, you can offer students to check free essay examples at https://eduzaurus.com/free-essay-samples/pro-life-abortion/, which is a service providing people with writing samples. At this website, they can learn about conservative, liberal and moderate positions on abortion as well as arguments for and against abortion legalisation. But in case, you don’t want your students to make research on their own, read some tips on how to deliver materials on this highly controversial subject.

Make the space safe

It’s very important not to stigmatise women who got pregnant unintentionally at a young age as well as those who had abortions. Most students either know someone who had such an experience or went through it themselves, so placing negative labels on them is quite discouraging. While having a discussion, create a safe and respectful atmosphere, so students will be okay with asking questions and learning more. Before starting a conversation, you can set some group rules that will work for everybody, so participants will be sure that they are not judged and everything is confidential.

Learn your audience

Find out about the gaps in students’ knowledge and what they would like to learn in order to provide them with helpful information. It would be also beneficial for students to get engaged in planning and even the delivery of information. Talk to them about organising the education process in an interactive way and find out how you can collaborate together to make the study process highly efficient.

Share knowledge for diverse groups

Make sure that materials which you use are inclusive and do not assume a specific audience, for instance, heterosexual, sexually active, or female individuals. What’s more, do not rely on information the can be inaccessible for some people, like for those who have physical disabilities.

Use accurate information

Make sure that the external resources you use are from reputable organisations. Your information must be evidence-based and non-judgemental. It would be great to check the facts provided in your materials with healthcare professionals.

Provide relevant information

It’s crucial that the information you deliver must be appropriate for students’ cultural context, age, and time limits you have. For example, if you share information with students of a certain religious group, consider their beliefs and norms. You should analyse how they affect their knowledge, values, and behaviour related to sexual choices and abortion.

Give useful links

An education session and training workshop are always limited in time, so you cannot cover all the necessary information. Therefore, young people should know where to get more information and how to access reproductive health services. The most important resources that must be shared are clinic details and hotline numbers.

Avoid debates

Although the discussion of different views on abortion is important, debates on this issue can be stigmatizing. Besides, they are not effective to distinguish between facts and values. Try to facilitate balanced discussions and recognise the importance of not sharing personal opinions but presenting facts instead. This will make your discussion respectful and helpful for everyone.

Abortion is a sensitive but very important topic to discuss with students. To help them avoid making mistakes, teach young adults to ask questions. For instance, they should ask themselves whether they want to be in a serious relationship before having sex or if they are comfortable sharing their likes and dislikes with a partner. Make the youth think if they are able to set and respect limits and whether they know how to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections. This way, young people can become more thoughtful and responsible. Moreover, giving accurate information on birth control can also decrease the chance of abortion. Students should get comprehensive sexuality education that includes instructions on different methods of preventing pregnancy, such as hormonal contraception, intrauterine devices, and condoms. You should share as many materials on pregnancy-related issues and abortion as possible because it can significantly decrease the risk of having physical and psychological problems in students.


Author’s Bio

Robert Everett is an academic coach and writer. He helps students to achieve high results in study and make the most out of their education. Robert also provides assistance with assignments, research papers, and essays for those students who find it difficult to handle college tasks. Robert also organises workshops for teachers where he shares his skills and knowledge on how to deliver different information for students in the most effective way.