As Clerical Whispers reports, new data seems to suggest that the abortion rate among UK teenagers is among the highest in Europe.

22 Percent of pregnancies among 13-19 year olds are being terminated which is a shocking stat. It's not as high as in some parts of the world (like New York, where 42% of all pregnancies are aborted) but it's still a lot higher than it should, and could, be.

A lot of people in the mainstream Church shy away from this particular issue, in part because they have their issues with the way the Pro-Life movement is at the moment. That's understandable, for sure. But I think this particular issue - and this particular stat - are things which at the very least we have to be mindful of as we go about or work.

There is a lot I could say about this, but I'll confine by thoughts to just two points.

Firstly, when teenagers fall pregnant it is vital that we give them a lot of care and support. If we appear to be looking down on them or trying to make them feel ashamed of what they've done, then we make abortion in to a more appealing option.

Secondly, while I don't necessarily disagree with the arguments about what pregnant teens are told about their options, I am convinced that trying to convince them of the value of life and the beauty of the Church's teachings on life (and Theology of the Body etc) once they are pregnant and scared is usually too little too late. Education in this area can be done very badly. But it can also be done well. Either way, we need to do it.

Sensible replies only please