Adolescent Suicide Attempts Following Elective Abortion: A Special Case of Anniversary Reaction

Pregnancy continues to be a common occurrence among adolescents, often producing psychosocial stress. This report describes 2 female adolescent patients who, following elective abortion, attempted suicide on the approximate date the fetus would have been born had it come to term. Recognition of adolescents who are emotionally vulnerable and at high risk for self-destructiveness may be beneficial in the management and follow-up of such patients.