Why Abortion Needs to Be Taught in Schools: A Sex Educator’s Perspective
- Amari Leigh
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 12 minutes ago
Abortion is a fundamental part of sexual and reproductive health, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood and stigmatised topics in education. As a clinical sexologist, accredited sex and relationship educator, and certified sex coach with 8 years of working in childcare and education, I believe that abortion must be included in school curriculums. When young people receive comprehensive, factual, and stigma-free education about abortion, they are better equipped to make informed decisions about their own sexual health and well-being.
Sex education isn’t just about pregnancy prevention, it’s about understanding the full spectrum of reproductive choices. Abortion is a reality of reproductive healthcare, just like contraception, fertility treatments, and childbirth. Ignoring abortion in education creates gaps in knowledge, leaving young people confused, misinformed, or even fearful of the topic.
Teaching about abortion helps young people understand:
The biological process of what happens in the body during pregnancy and how abortion works.
The legal landscape, as well as the rights and options available in the UK.
The emotional and social aspects of how people may feel about abortion, and why stigma exists.
The role of choice and how autonomy, consent, and personal circumstances influence reproductive decisions.
If we teach about pregnancy and childbirth, we must also teach about abortion. A well-rounded education allows young people to approach sexual and reproductive health with knowledge, confidence, and empathy.
Stigma thrives in silence. When abortion is ignored in schools, it sends a message that it’s shameful or wrong to talk about. This silence can lead to misinformation, fear, and judgement, making it harder for those who need abortion care to seek support.
By openly discussing abortion in schools, we can:
Normalise conversations around reproductive choices.
Challenge myths and misinformation, such as the idea that abortion is unsafe or rare.
Encourage empathy by exploring the diverse reasons why someone might choose abortion.
Promote supportive communities where people feel safe discussing their experiences without fear of judgment.
Young people deserve to know that abortion is a valid healthcare option and that those who seek it are not alone. Education is a key tool in breaking down harmful stigma and replacing it with understanding and compassion.
Beyond tackling stigma, abortion education provides young people with essential, practical knowledge. Many people who have abortions are already parents, and nearly one in three women in the UK will have an abortion in their lifetime. These are not abstract or rare experiences; they are real-life situations that many will encounter, whether personally or through friends and family.
In schools, we should be teaching:
How to access abortion services
Abortion methods
Contraceptive choices
Legal rights
At the heart of this discussion is the need for honest, supportive conversations about abortion. The more we talk openly about it, the more we create a culture where people feel safe seeking help and making choices that are right for them.
Charities like Abortion Talk are leading the way in providing this support. Their Talkline and Webchat is a confidential space where anyone can discuss abortion, whether they have questions, need support, or just want to talk. These kinds of open conversations are exactly what we need in classrooms, homes, and communities.
If we truly want to support young people in making informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health, abortion education must be part of the conversation. By teaching abortion in schools, we equip young people with the life-saving knowledge, confidence, and compassion they need to navigate their own choices and support others.
Written by Amari Leigh
