Numerous U.S. states are currently pushing for restrictions on abortion rights, claiming that their motivation is to protect life.
In reality, however, their true intention seems to be exerting control over women’s bodies and reproductive choices.
There is a more effective approach to reducing abortions, and it can be found in Finland rather than in the restrictive measures advocated by some US states.
This Scandinavian country, instead of imposing bans that ultimately drive women towards unsafe and illegal procedures, chose a different path, prioritising contraception and, most importantly, comprehensive sexual education.
In the 1990s, Finland faced an increase in abortions among women under 20, prompting the country to take proactive measures in the early 2000s.
They made the morning-after pill easily accessible to 15-year-olds without a prescription and introduced mandatory sex education in all schools.
These progressive steps yielded remarkable results. Between 2000 and 2023, the number of abortions decreased by a significant 66%, from 2,144 to 722, among all individuals aged 19 or younger, while there was an even bigger reduction of 78% in abortions among those under 18 during the same period.
This is an impressive percentage which proves the critical importance of providing young people with comprehensive sexual education and accurate information.
Turning a blind eye to the issue or pretending it doesn’t concern us only causes harm.
It is sheer folly to believe that if we, as parents, society, and educators, fail to take responsibility and openly discuss sex and its potential risks with young people, they will somehow remain safe; either because they will magically acquire the necessary knowledge elsewhere, or they will abstain from sexual activity altogether.
As Professor Mika Gissler commented on Finland’s achievements to Reuters, “We can conclude that sexual education plays a significant role”.
This conclusion is entirely logical, someone could comment; that when young people are well-informed about sex, they can make informed decisions. They can take the necessary precautions, and know how to reach out to the right people and organisations if something goes wrong.
The approach taken by the USA leads down a path towards illegal abortion clinics.
The Finnish approach leads to informed teenagers who are ready to make responsible choices regarding their bodies and their sexual health.
It is disheartening that, despite the evidence, some continue to advocate for the first approach, when we know that the second approach is more effective.
