What are Mental Health Effects of Abortion?

Abortion is a topic that is often discussed on political debate stages and Instagram comment sections, but for many women, abortion was a real and heavy experience in their lives. 

Abortion is a serious medical procedure that women will always remember, sometimes with mixed emotions. Many women deeply regret their abortion decision. The regret they experience is often paired with mental health challenges.

The Current State of the Mental Health of Young Women

Although mental health conversations are only recently becoming prioritized in our world, we have decades of solid research to examine how mental health affects people in various ways. 

There is sufficient evidence to suggest that mental health problems are often more common in women than they are in men. In fact, the Mayo Clinic states “about twice as many women as men experience depression.” 

Factors for depression are often linked to monthly hormonal changes, but can also be linked to an inherited biological trait or experiential factors.

Research says, “Half of all chronic mental illnesses begin by age 14.” Because mental health challenges manifest at such a young age, it is imperative to consider the mental health risks of abortion procedures.

Are Women Affected Mentally by Abortion?

Abortion is a serious medical procedure with considerable mental and physical side effects. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), women with a history of abortion do experience “elevated rates of mental illness” compared to women who haven’t had an abortion. 

In a separate study, the NIH found, “fetal loss seems to expose women to a higher risk for mental disorders than childbirth; some studies show that abortion can be considered a more relevant risk factor than miscarriage.” 

Additionally, The American Psychological Association’s (APA) Task Force on Mental Health and Abortion (TFMHA) concluded that “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.” 

Due to the wide variety of evidence pointing to the correlation between mental health challenges and abortion experiences, we recommend speaking with a mental health expert if you have had an abortion. If you are currently contemplating abortion and you are unsure about your decision, our team can help explain the risks associated with the procedure, as well as other pregnancy options.

Are You Considering Abortion?

If you’ve discovered you’re unexpectedly pregnant, you may be considering abortion. Before making your decision, you need to understand the possible physical and emotional side effects and risks. You want to make a confident and empowered decision, and we want to help you.

Whether you’ve experienced an abortion or are considering one, schedule a free and confidential appointment with Mosaic Health. You don’t have to make this decision on your own. We’re here to help you.