There are real mental health effects of abortion to consider. If you’re on the fence about abortion, keep reading to learn about mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, and more.
The National Institutes of Health states that for women who have gone through with an abortion, “abortion is consistently associated with elevated rates of mental illness compared to women without a history of abortion.” They share that “the abortion experience directly contributes to mental health problems for at least some women.”
Trauma is often associated with women who have had an abortion. After a traumatic event, women may experience:
- Denial
- Shock
- Strained relationships
- Unpredictable emotions
- Flashbacks
- Physical symptoms (headaches, nausea)
Mental Health Risks of Abortion
Some women feel some sort of relief after an abortion, while other women face mental health challenges for years to come. It’s especially true if women feel at all pressured into having an abortion or had pre-existing mental health conditions before the abortion.
According to a study, almost 75% of women who had an abortion felt at least subtly pressured into making the decision.
Many of these same women suffered psychological effects afterward, including “depression (14.4%), guilt (14%), shame, regret, self-hatred, feelings of worthlessness, feelings of being unworthy of love, drug or alcohol addiction (9%), low self-esteem, anxiety, and thoughts or attempts of suicide (6.2%).”
Before An Abortion
If you would like to learn more about how abortion can impact your mental health, contact us today. We’re here to inform you about all your pregnancy options and help you understand what to expect.
If you need help navigating an unplanned pregnancy, we’re here for you. Understanding your pregnancy details is important to safeguard your health and confirm your pregnancy options. We offer free and confidential medical-grade pregnancy tests and limited ultrasound.
Schedule a free appointment at Hands of Hope PRC to get started and find clarity. You are stronger than you know.