The experience of 87 girls, 15 years of age and younger, who were seen at Preterm, a freestanding abortion facility in Washington, D.C., from June-August 1972, is reported. Each girl was about 10 weeks pregnant and had vacuum aspiration abortions performed at Preterm. 65 of these girls had never used contraception. In postabortion counseling, 42 patients chose the pill for subsequent protection; 23 had an IUD inserted; 22 refused contraception. 32 records were selected at random from these 87 cases for more detailed study. The patients liked school with a ratio of 2:1. 1/3 came from a single parent home; most had siblings. The extent of their sexual experience was minimal. 3 cases are described in more detail. The main concern of this report is with the implications for prevention of mental disorder resulting from unwanted pregnancy. Abortion is an important form of birth control for this group because teenagers are least adept at getting and using contraception. Abortion is a lifesaving procedure and is decisive in preserving the options for personal development and mental health. It is suggested that sex education, available contraception and safe medical abortion be implemented and the child mental health programs include education on sex and family life for all age groups, including parents.