An unexpected pregnancy can sometimes cause an upheaval in life. This can be especially true if you feel no support or there is coercion to make a particular choice.
Some women report feeling relieved after an abortion procedure. Others experience loss, sadness, or guilt.
The impact depends on the woman and her life situation. However, studies have shown that abortion causes an 81% increased risk of developing mental health problems.
If you are in the initial stages of making a pregnancy decision, you should be sure you are pregnant. Symptoms, even a missed period, can sometimes be misleading.
At Pregnancy Choices, our medical team can provide a lab-quality urine pregnancy test and a limited obstetric ultrasound at no cost!
What Are Some Of These Mental Health Effects?
Research has shown that abortion can cause an increased risk of developing the following (as compared to women who have not aborted).
– Depression
– Anxiety
– Suicidal Behaviors
– Substance Abuse Disorders
Are Some Women More At Risk Than Others?
Studies of women who have aborted and later struggled mentally have shown that some factors can lead to more significant struggles.
These include:
- When a woman feels like she has no support for her pregnancy
- When she feels pressured to terminate her pregnancy
- When the pregnancy was wanted or meaningful
- Factors such as low self-esteem and lack of confidence
- Prior mental health issues
Where Should You Turn For Help?
If you have had an abortion and are struggling emotionally, we have the resources to help you!
At Pregnancy Choices, our Certified Life Coaching will pair you with someone who will listen and provide the sources you need to find answers.
If you think you might be pregnant, we can provide the answers you need with no-cost testing and comprehensive information on your options.
We are here for you. Please contact us today!
Sources:
Mayo Clinic. (2018). Medical abortion – Mayo Clinic. Mayoclinic.org. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687
Coleman, P. K. (2011). Abortion and mental health: quantitative synthesis and analysis of research published 1995–2009. British Journal of Psychiatry, 199(3), 180–186. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.bp.110.077230
Reardon, D. C. (2018). The abortion and mental health controversy: A comprehensive literature review of common ground agreements, disagreements, actionable recommendations, and research opportunities. SAGE Open Medicine, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.1177/2050312118807624