If you’re considering an abortion, it’s essential to know the impact it can have on your mental health. It’s a subject that can be easily overlooked but is crucial for your well-being. Unlike the immediate physical effects, the psychological effects of abortion can manifest days, weeks, or even years after the procedure.
We’ll explore the potential mental health effects of abortion that you should be aware of. If you’d like to speak with someone in person, please contact us at Choices Family Resource Center. We’re here to support you with services and resources to help you navigate an unexpected pregnancy and equip you to deal with what comes your way.
The Link Between Mental Health & Abortion
Although there are differing views on the mental health effects of abortion, both sides acknowledge that it is consistently linked to higher rates of mental illness compared to women without a history of abortion, and the experience can lead to mental health challenges for some women.
American Psychological Association’s (APA) Task Force on Mental Health and Abortion (TFMHA) found some women experience:
- Sadness
- Grief
- Feelings of loss
- Anxiety
- Depression
Additionally, your risk may be higher if you have any pre-existing conditions, including:
- Having a history of mental health disorders
- Feeling pressured to terminate the pregnancy by others
- Lacking a support system to help you recover emotionally from the abortion
- A desire to have children now or in the future
Find Support
If you’re struggling after an abortion procedure, Choices Family Resource Center offers Post-Abortion Support to help you find healing.
If you are unexpectedly pregnant, you can make a no-cost and confidential appointment to get pregnancy testing, resources, and information on your options. You may also be eligible for an ultrasound after a positive pregnancy test.
Contact us to find out all the ways we can support you today.
*All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.