Many women say they feel relieved immediately following their abortion. But, as the weeks, months, or even years go by, they begin to have emotional problems. How you respond emotionally to an abortion will be unique to you. There are a few things to be aware of, though.
Does Abortion Affect Women Mentally?
One study reviewed a variety of articles written about the effect of abortion on a woman’s mental health. It concluded the following:
- 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 the most significant risk of mental health problems after an abortion.
What Are Some of the Mental Effects?
A Task Force on Mental Health and Abortion concluded that some women experience the following after an abortion:
- Sadness
- Grief
- Feelings of loss
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
How Will I Respond?
No one can say for sure how you will respond after an abortion. However, if you are currently dealing with anxiety, depression, or another pre-existing mental illness, it’s crucial to speak with your healthcare provider first.
The Mayo Clinic recommends getting a complete evaluation of your medical history and overall health before choosing an abortion. Be sure you first learn about the specific procedures, side effects to expect, and possible risks or complications.
It never hurts to look at the alternatives, too.
How Can New Life Assist Me?
You need to be fully informed before choosing to have an abortion. Although we do not perform or refer for abortion, we can provide a thorough, factual review of abortion procedures, side effects, and risks.
We can also review your pregnancy options. Having an abortion is a significant life decision, and it’s critical to look at other alternatives. You also need to verify your pregnancy beforehand.
Set up an appointment at New Life for no-cost pregnancy verification and a detailed explanation of the various abortion procedures. We want to protect your physical and mental health because we care about you.