Abortion and the impact on mental health

Abortion is one of the most divisive issues in modern society. People often have very strong opinions about whether it should be legal, and about the circumstances under which it should be permitted. These views also often extend to whether having an abortion has negative consequences for the woman who undergoes the procedure.

Removing a fetus from the uterus is a major operation with potential implications for both physical and mental health. In some cases, these implications may have long-term consequences, such as post-abortion stress, depression, and anxiety. Does this mean that women who have had abortions are at risk of developing these conditions? Or does this just reflect prejudice against women who have undergone abortions? Let’s look at the facts.

Facts of mental health and abortion

Mental health problems can come in all shapes and sizes, but they are all treatable with the right support and actions. These conditions have no impact on a person’s character or morals, but rather reveal a weakness in their ability to cope with stressors, manage anxiety, or suppress personal demons – not unlike a physical ailment such as the flu or a broken bone. In fact, it is estimated that 1 out of 5 adults experiences mental health challenges every year, which makes it quite common among the adult population.

Mental health problems are common in women who have had unplanned pregnancies. Many women feel guilty, anxious, or ashamed about having an unplanned pregnancy and some may develop long-term mental health problems as a result.

Impact of denied access

The Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health (ANSIRH) Turnaway Study says that being denied access to abortion is a risk factor for developing mental illness. Women who are forced to continue with their unplanned pregnancies are also more likely to experience negative mental health outcomes than those who are permitted to have an abortion.

Women who are denied access to an abortion frequently experience high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. In some cases, this can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

There is a common belief that terminating a pregnancy will damage your mental health. As a result, some women are forced to continue their pregnancies against their will and at great personal cost. A recent study has challenged the notion that getting an abortion leads to negative long-term effects on mental health. In fact, researchers found that preventing a woman from having an abortion may be more damaging to her mental health than going through with the procedure.

Conclusion and Resources

If you’re considering an abortion and worried about how it might affect your mental health, the decision to terminate or continue with your pregnancy should not be made lightly, but with due consideration and in consultation with appropriate professionals if necessary.

Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health (ANSIRH)

The Turnaway Study is ANSIRH’s prospective longitudinal study examining the effects of unwanted pregnancy on women’s lives.

• The mental health impact of receiving vs. being denied a wanted abortion
• The Harms of Denying a Woman a Wanted Abortion Findings from the Turnaway Study

National Institute of Mental Health

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Depression in Women: 5 Things You Should Know
• I’m So Stressed Out! Fact Sheet
• 5 Things You Should Know About Stress

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