If you’re considering abortion and wondering if this choice can exacerbate your mental health problems, the answer is yes. Many women who choose abortion face increased mental health challenges days, weeks, or even years after the procedure.
This is why it’s critical to learn all you can about the risks of abortion before choosing how to move forward.
At Sound Choices Pregnancy Clinic, we believe that knowledge is power. And this is why we’re here to provide a safe space to learn all you can, ask questions, and find support. Read on to learn more about how abortion can intensify mental health challenges and what to do before making a pregnancy decision.
Contact us today to schedule a confidential appointment.
The Mental Health Risks of Abortion
While every woman’s emotional reaction to abortion will differ, it’s important to know that many women face mental health risks after an abortion. According to a study looking into the link between mental health challenges and abortion, it was found that:
- Abortion is consistently associated with elevated rates of mental illness compared to women without a history of abortion.
- The abortion experience directly contributes to mental health problems for at least some women.
- There are risk factors, such as pre-existing mental illness, that identify women at greatest risk of mental health problems after an abortion.
Furthermore, of the women who experienced negative mental health outcomes after an abortion, “it is clear that some women do experience sadness, grief, and feelings of loss following termination of a pregnancy, and some experience clinically significant disorders, including depression and anxiety.”
In addition, the study found that compared to participants’ one-month post-abortion assessments, two years later, they showed significantly higher rates of depression and negative reactions, along with lower rates of positive emotions, relief, and satisfaction with their decision. The authors also noted that some participants met the full criteria for abortion-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
What Does This Study Mean for Me?
Emotional responses following abortion can vary widely from woman to woman. Some individuals report distress that may be triggered by reminders or significant life events, such as seeing a baby, hearing about a friend’s pregnancy, or encountering dates or situations that bring the experience to mind.
Some individuals who experience ongoing emotional distress may report symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress, which can include:
- Negative thoughts about yourself, other people, or the world
- Ongoing negative emotions of fear, blame, guilt, anger, or shame
- Memory problems, including not remembering important aspects of a traumatic event
- Feeling detached from family and friends
- Not being interested in activities you once enjoyed
- Having a hard time feeling positive emotions
- Feeling emotionally numb
While it’s impossible to know exactly how you will respond after an abortion, it’s important to be honest with yourself and consider your current mental health and how an abortion might affect your future.
How Can I Make a Pregnancy Choice?
Before making any pregnancy decision, it’s critical to learn the basic details of your pregnancy, including your pregnancy’s gestational age and the pregnancy’s location. The only way to do this is with an ultrasound.
If you don’t learn these details and take abortion drugs, you’re putting yourself at risk for complications. At Sound Choices Pregnancy Clinic, we offer free ultrasounds to give you the knowledge you need to stay safe and move forward.
It can be helpful to fully research all your pregnancy options, including how each works and what each choice might look like in your life. Once you learn the facts, it can be beneficial to talk to a trusted friend or loved one, someone who will listen to your concerns and thoughts without pushing you in one direction or the other.
You’re Not Alone in This
At Sound Choices Pregnancy Clinic, we’re here for you. We offer a safe space to learn more about all your options, talk through your concerns, and find support for moving forward. Contact us today to schedule your free, confidential appointment.