The impact an abortion may have on your mental and emotional health should not be ignored.
The mental health effects of abortion can range from feelings of grief and loss to more severe mental health issues.
While there is no way to know how an individual will respond after an abortion, some women are more likely to experience negative mental health effects, including those with pre-existing mental health conditions.
Read on to learn more about abortion’s impact on mental health and how to ensure you understand the risks.
Abortion’s Impact on Mental Health
Before choosing to terminate your pregnancy, it’s critical to recognize that post-abortive women have an increased risk of mental health issues, including depression and anxiety disorders, suicidal behaviors, and substance abuse, just to name a few.
The following circumstances place a woman at greater risk of developing post-abortion mental health complications:
- Pre-existing mental health issues
- Feeling pressured to terminate
- Previous abortions
- Lack of perceived support from others
Keep in mind that while women with pre-existing mental health issues are at greater risk, all women considering abortion must understand the potential impact abortion can have on their long-term mental and emotional well-being.
Studies have shown that post-abortive women are likely to develop more serious mental health issues, such as:
- Sadness
- Grief
- Feelings of loss
- Anxiety
- Depression
Protecting Your Whole Health
Along with acknowledging the mental health effects of terminating a pregnancy, it’s also critical to be aware of the physical health risks of abortion.
To make an informed pregnancy decision, individual risks should be determined by learning the details of your pregnancy through an ultrasound scan and discussing your health history with a healthcare provider.
Get Help Today
LifeLine Pregnancy Center is here to help you navigate your pregnancy decision.
We provide no-cost pregnancy tests, and we can also refer clients to an on-site medical clinic for a limited ultrasound. Additionally, we’ll provide thorough information on all your options to help you make an educated decision.
If you’ve already had an abortion and are struggling, we offer no-cost post-abortion support services. Our confidential, trained facilitators are available to help you begin your healing journey.
Contact us today for your confidential appointment, no matter where you are in your pregnancy journey.
LifeLine Pregnancy Resource Center does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.
