Published: Tuesday, 16th March, 2010 1:17pm

Concerns over rise in teenage abortions in Borders

by Ally McGilvray

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THE number of children having an abortion in the Borders has almost doubled in the past year - with the youngest a girl aged just 13.

And the number of women having abortions has risen for the third year in a row.

NHS Borders revealed a total of 480 patients had an abortion in 2009 - including eight under the age of 16. That was compared to just 421 in 2008 and 419 in 2007. The oldest person to have an abortion was aged 48.

The Border Telegraph obtained the figures following a Freedom of Information request to the local health board. And now campaigners have demanded action.

Father John Creanor, of Our Lady and St Andrew's Church in Galashiels, said: "This is murder. I think everybody knows the Catholic Church is opposed to abortion. We believe life is sacred. We don't even take the lives of criminals any more so what right have we to take away the lives of innocent children?"

Abortion was made legal in the UK after former Borders MP David Steel introduced the Abortion Act to Parliament in 1967.

It marked the beginning of the woman's right to choose whether or not to terminate an unwanted pregnancy. Previously abortions were only legal if the mother's life was threatened.

And, it was hoped, it would save the lives of women who died during illegal "back street" abortions.

However, anti-abortion campaigners claim abortion is being used as a form of contraception and encouraging youngsters to have sex.

Scottish Borders Council's Children's Champion, Councillor Frances Renton said: "I think most parents in the Borders will be shocked to learn of these figures especially given the ages of some of them because they are only children.

"I am also disappointed because so much emphasis is placed on safe sex but we might have to look at other ways at how we promote sex education in schools."

The local health board revealed sexual health education in schools and colleges across the Borders has been increased, providing direct education to 1,500 young people.

NHS Borders also provides free sexual health care at drop-in services in Hawick, Eyemouth, Duns and Galashiels that offer both contraceptive and STI (sexually transmitted infection) testing and treatment.

Director of Public Health Dr Eric Baijal said: "NHS Borders is committed to addressing the sexual health needs of people in the Borders and we work closely with colleagues in a range of service areas to provide prevention, protection, contraception, training, advice, support and treatment."