Insights from 3Music TV’s Big Conversation on the Importance of Safe Abortion Access in Teenage Health

Last Tuesday's episode of 3Music TV’s Big Conversation featuring Midwife Adzo and Dr. Chris Aminarh provided a platform to discuss the importance of safe abortion access in teenage health, highlighting the profound implications of abortion safety on the physical and emotional well-being of young women.

In Ghana and across many parts of the world, teenage pregnancies are rising, with young women often facing limited access to safe and legal abortion services. This scenario has created an urgent need for informed, accessible healthcare services that can safely support teenagers who may be facing unplanned pregnancies or other critical health issues associated with pregnancy.

Midwife Adzo brought forward the crucial distinction between safe and unsafe abortions, explaining that safe abortions are those conducted by licensed healthcare professionals in officially sanctioned facilities. When conducted in such settings, safe abortions are designed to protect the individual’s health through access to emergency care, adherence to medical protocols, and the provision of psychological support. These services become especially important for teenagers, who may not be fully prepared for the physical and emotional responsibilities of motherhood. For teenagers in particular, accessing compassionate and reliable healthcare can reduce the likelihood of complications, which are often higher in young women due to their developmental stages and lack of sufficient support systems.

Dr. Aminarh added critical insights into the significance of both setting and professional training in ensuring the safety of abortion procedures. He explained that even when a medically trained practitioner carries out an abortion, if it is performed in a non-licensed facility—such as a private home—it remains unsafe. Without access to emergency resources, specialized equipment, and protocols only available in certified facilities, complications can lead to severe health risks or even fatal outcomes. This point underscores the need for accessible abortion options within legally recognized, well-equipped environments.

For teenage health, having access to safe abortion options can help prevent unnecessary physical health risks, psychological distress, and lifelong complications arising from unsafe abortions. The conversation also emphasized that in situations involving mental health challenges, incest, or health risks to the young mother, safe abortions are essential not only to the individual’s immediate health but also to their overall quality of life. Providing safe abortion services in such cases aligns with healthcare standards that prioritize the well-being of young individuals facing complex circumstances.

This discussion on 3Music TV’s Big Conversation reflects the ongoing need to address safe abortion as a critical component of healthcare for teenagers and young women, advocating for policies and healthcare initiatives that make these services accessible, affordable, and stigma-free.