Process for Resolving the Psychological Crisis - Essay Example

Order 183413 Topic: Process for Resolving the Psychological Crisis This paper discusses how to resolve a crisis between young loversin relation to problems of teen pregnancies. As this case involves Sara’ committing an abortion this paper will discuss in a manner that touches on developmental contextual, and psychosocial analysis using as guide given questions. The development stage is a factor in how young people make their decision on issues like teen pregnancies. One’s choice may be viewed on whether such action is perceived by the decision-maker in societal acceptance. Hence in the case of Sara, it is an issue to her on how typical for American women to choose to have an abortion for women like her who are unmarried, between the ages of 18 to 24 and have no other children, and no previous abortions. Had she known that the teen pregnancies are experienced a large number of young Americans, her decision would have been different. According to statistics, one in ten girls under the ages of 20, in each year undergoes teen pregnancy, and there are one million per year who becomes pregnant and from the said figure, forty percent (40%) of these pregnancies will result in abortion (National Coalition for the Protection of Children and Families, n.d., citing Stop Worrying, Start Talking Better Homes and Gardens, 2003). There are indeed some aspects of Sara’s developmental stage and life circumstances that might account for her decision to end her pregnancy. Some of these include the fact that Sara was a young, she is still in college student. What seems to be very controlling in Sara’s decision to abort is their (Sara and Todd’s) recognition “that the relationship was not long term- they would not spend the rest of their lives together, especially within the bonds of matrimony” (Case facts). For Todd, there are also some aspects of his developmental stage and life circumstances that might account for his willingness to support Sara’s decision. This includes the fact the he also does not want to spend the rest of his life with Sara. Although Todd got very angry and hurt that Sara went through the decision making process without considering his feelings, his knowledge about Sara’s really desiring to complete college and that having a child would complicate her graduation and career, caused him to support Sara’s decision. Another fact of course is his not being ready to become a parent should the fetus becomes a child. Committing abortion at about one month after conception is also a serious decision as it could be said that there is already a life in the fetus. There are characteristics of a fetus at nine weeks and there are already known fetal viability at said point as there is a differentiation of body organs and a gradual integration of survival functions. Such survival functions may already consist of the ability to suck and swallow, breathing and body temperature regulations, as well digestive system maturation. In fact at that point the central nervous system has already taken shape after conception although it continues to develop and change throughout the prenatal period and into adolescence. Circumstances such as family, community, school, neighborhood, or culture might influence young people’s interpretation of decisions presented for their consideration. One issue that is very relevant is the right of fathers for the unborn child. Todd, although not married has a right to the child considering that he is one of the causes of the pregnancy. The father’s right could even extend into reminding the woman that she would be an abortionist that should she continue the abortion, the same could hold her responsible civilly or criminally. Aside from the fact that the father could assert his right against abortion, there are personal circumstances that might have led to a different decision for Sara and Todd. Their values and beliefs about sex would have led them to different decision. Had they believed that sex is for married people, such belief would have prevented premarital sex and that would have not resulted to conception of the child. Their faith or belief about the primacy of life or the fact that unwed pregnancies are not uncommon or marriage counseling might have led to a different decision for Sara and Todd. Both might they have gone ahead with the pregnancy if they know that there are people or institutions that would adopt the child and everybody commits mistakes and that the most important thing it they will have learned their lessons. A parental advice would have also prevented the abortion and might have encouraged the two to allow the child to be borne for adoption. Another circumstance is the importance of friends in one’s decision. In the case at hand, there is basis to look at the importance of Lisa in Sara’s decision, in terms of influence in the decision whether to continue or not the planned abortion. Teens acts through peer’s values and beliefs too. Had Lisa not believed in abortion, it would have really made a difference because Sara would felt a different way if Lisa has manifested her objection to plan to abort. If Sara’s close friend was opposed to abortion, such as when her belief was that abortion was unchristian, the same would have caused a great weight in convincing Sarah to go for the pregnancy until birth. Being assured that there was nothing to worry about having the child to be despite the apparent mistake would really have help Sara not to abort the child. Or being persuaded that it is a greater evil to abort than to raise a child out of marriage would have persuaded her to choose pregnancy and eventual birth of the child over abortion. Abortions although they were successfully administered physically, do not necessarily result to psychological well being. There are real effects, both short-term and long -term physical and psychological consequences that Sara might experience after having an abortion. Although Sarah felt some relief, she also felt some sense of loss. As to what is that feeling of loss, would actually a feeling of regret. The experiences have therefore caused her to become more careful about taking her daily birth control pills. There are also consequences of the decision to abort for Sara’s relationship with Todd. It is interesting to find the reason why was Todd so upset because he was not consulted before the decision. Consultation would have allowed them to talk over the matter in a more dispassionate manner. If after the abortion, Sara and Todd broke up, such would not be an easy experience to have for Sara. Sara would have been affected very badly psychologically as she might feel lose of self-esteem for the simple realization that she was just being used to quench some desire for sex without any meaning. It may be concluded that the decision to commit an abortion for unplanned pregnancies is not easy decision to make as it could have short and long terms consequences that are negative when viewed psychologically. While unwanted pregnancies are subject to abortion by teens, such is not necessarily the only remaining option for these teens as they could opt to have the would-be child to be adopted by somebody or some institution instead. As to how abortion could be prevented is greatly influenced by personal circumstances of the decision makers including their values about life. Prevention could also be influenced by how peers and their partners participate in the decision making process. Although it is the young female who will finally make the decision to abort, friends and lovers can point out the consequences of abortion and such intervention could really be big things in preventing abortion including it’s the psychological consequences. References: National Coalition for the Protection of Children and Families (n.d.) Teen Pregnancy, {www document} URL http://www.nationalcoalition.org/resourcesservices/stat.html, Accessed September 10,2007 Stop Worrying, Start Talking.  Better Homes and Gardens, 2003. Read More