What Are the Mental Health Effects From Abortion?
Just like any other medical procedure or prescription medicine, an abortion has a chance of risks or side effects. But while you may be familiar with the physical risks of abortion you are likely unaware of the risks an abortion can have on your mental health.
These risks include anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, and substance abuse–drug and alcohol.
That’s why, before you have an abortion procedure, it’s important for you to know any potential mental health risks you may face.
What Exactly is Mental Health?
You’ve probably heard a lot in the news and online about maintaining your mental health, but you’ve probably not heard anyone define what is meant by mental health.
The World Health Organization defines mental health as “our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices.”
Events in your life, the decisions you make, and changes in your circumstances can all have a significant impact on your mental well-being. Mental health can also have an impact on your physical health.
Mental Health & Abortion
Abortion has been legal for decades, and the potential for physical risks and complications has been well documented. But more recent studies are revealing the potential risks to mental health that can arise after an abortion.
The work of psychotherapist Vincent Rue was some of the first research to show a connection between mental health issues and abortion. His study, “Induced Abortion and Traumatic Stress,” found that…
- 60% reported that they felt “part of me died” after their abortions
- 25% said they didn’t receive adequate counseling
- 64% said they felt pressured by others to abort
- 65% of U.S. women experienced multiple symptoms of PTSD (which they attributed to their abortions)
A further study, by medical researcher and professor David Fergusson, discovered that post-abortive women (women who had already had an abortion) saw increased rates of mental health problems compared to women who were not post-abortive.
He also found an increased risk of anxiety, drug and alcohol abuse, and suicidal behaviors for women who had previously had an abortion.
Pre-Abortion Consultation
With the known risks that abortion can have on you, both physically and mentally, it’s important you get all the info you can before making a decision about your pregnancy. It’s your life and future, and you deserve to have all the facts you need to make the best decision.
Our staff at Hope Clinic for Women can provide free pregnancy tests, ultrasound scans, and consultations–ensuring that you are empowered to make the best decision for your body and your future.
Contact us today to schedule a confidential and free appointment, and start getting the answers you deserve.