Education experts and gynaecologists have been increasingly worried about rising abortion rates, especially the high frequency of abortions among young and underage women across the country.

Although the reasons behind abortions differ, the primary factor is lack of awareness about self-protection and insufficient sex education among the young.

Some experts are shocked by the imprudent attitude of some women regarding abortion: They regard abortion like treating a cold.

While official figures are unavailable, experts estimate at least 10 million abortions take place every year.

Even gloomier, more cases are involving underage girls.

According to June figures from Shanghai's first hotline for unexpected pregnancies, nearly half of its 20,000 calls in the past two years came from school girls, all below 20 with some younger than 15.

Many girls came to the hospital without their parents' knowledge, and some even claimed they have had relationships with boyfriends without knowing their real names, since they were just Internet friends.

What was discovered by the Shanghai hotline serves as microcosm of a nationwide issue.

It is ignorance about sex and increased tolerance of sex in society that has prompted young girls to taste the bitter fruit of unprotected sex.

It is high time the country and society did something to remedy this situation as it threatens women's heath and causes social problems.

Adequate programs about sex education should be introduced to schools at an early age in order to teach young people about reproductive health and proper communication with the opposite sex.

Given that today's youth no longer shy away from topics related to sex, it is important that schools make it a priority to impart correct knowledge about sex to the young before vulgar content from the Internet finds its way into their brains.

(China Daily October 27, 2007)