The mental health effects of abortion are unique to each woman’s own experience. No one can predict how you will respond emotionally to an abortion.
If you are considering abortion as an option for the outcome of your pregnancy, it is wise to weigh both the procedure’s physical and mental health risks to determine if it is right for you.
What Are the Mental Health Risks of Abortion?
For some women, experiencing an abortion only brings a sense of relief, but others feel smothered with feelings of sadness, loss, guilt, shame, anger, or grief. These feelings may be present immediately following an abortion or can surface years after the experience.
Some women experience additional mental health struggles following abortion. Women are at an increased risk of the following after an abortion:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Substance use disorder
- Eating disorders
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
Post-Abortion Stress Syndrome
When these mental health disorders present as a response to an experience with abortion, some mental health professionals refer to it as post-abortion stress syndrome or PASS.
Though no one can predict if a woman will experience PASS, there are risk factors that make it more likely that she will develop it. Risk factors for PASS can include:
- A cultural or religious belief system that conflicts with abortion
- Feeling pressured to terminate the pregnancy by others or circumstances
- Lacking a support system to recover emotionally from the abortion
- A desire to have children now or in the future
- Have a history of mental health disorders
Before You Choose an Abortion
The outcome of your pregnancy is a big decision that will affect multiple facets of your life. It might feel overwhelming, but you are the best person to decide. Make your decision with confidence by following these tips:
- Get an ultrasound to get crucial information about your pregnancy to determine which options are available to you.
- Gather facts about your options and the resources that are available to you.
- Process your feelings with a counselor.
The Pregnancy Resource Center is here to offer you the support and resources you need to navigate your options and empower you to make a confident choice. Take advantage of our free ultrasounds and options counseling by making a free appointment today. We also offer free pregnancy tests to confirm your pregnancy. Don’t delay; contact as soon as possible.