Think you might be unexpectedly pregnant and considering abortion? It’s understandable that you may be feeling a lot of emotions at once. Take a moment to take a deep breath, and know that you are not alone on this journey.
You deserve to have all the information you need to make a fully informed, confident choice that prioritizes your whole-person health. Challenges with mental health following an abortion are a more common experience than you may realize: the Mayo Clinic quotes that many women experience mixed emotions following an abortion, such as grief, sadness, relief, or guilt.
As you consider abortion, be sure you take the time to learn not only about the potential physical risks, but also the possible mental health implications.
Does Abortion Cause Mental Health Problems?
First, it’s important to acknowledge that every woman’s experience with abortion is unique, and it’s hard to predict how abortion could affect you personally. However, there is some consensus amongst medical professionals and researchers that points to abortion experiences being related to higher rates of mental health concerns.
In this NIH study by David Reardon, the researchers conclude that “both sides agree that abortion is consistently associated with elevated rates of mental illness compared to women without a history of abortion” and “the abortion experience directly contributes to mental health problems for at least some women.”
On a similar note, this study by Priscilla Coleman published by Cambridge University notes that “women who had undergone an abortion experienced an 81% increased risk of mental health problems”.
The Mayo Clinic notes that women undergoing an abortion can often experience a range of emotions and negative feelings following the procedure. In some cases, these feelings could lead to more prolonged concerns that might require further intervention through a licensed professional counselor.
How Can I Manage My Mental Health Risks for Abortion?
Some women with particular risk factors could have increased chances of mental health effects following an abortion experience. If one of these factors might be a concern for you, it could be wise to discuss the potential implications of your next steps with a trusted professional.
Potential risk factors may include:
- Feeling pressured by others to have an abortion
- Feeling unsupported
- Inadequate pre-abortion counseling
Get Your Questions Answered with Compassionate Care
At Pregnancy Help Center of West Houston, our team is here for you as you gather all the information you need to make your pregnancy decision. We’re here to help answer your questions – you don’t have to figure it all out alone.
It might be helpful to you to discuss abortion and potential risks with our professional team – and we’d be happy to help you gather more information about your unique pregnancy needs through free medical services to confirm your pregnancy and learn more about your eligible options.
Schedule your no-cost appointment today to get your questions answered.