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How Does Abortion Affect Mental Health?

An unplanned pregnancy can feel like a lot to handle. You might feel scared, worried, or unsure, and that’s okay. 

If you’re thinking about abortion, it’s important to know how abortion affects mental health. This article explains the possible abortion mental health effects in a simple way, using research, and shares where to get help in Vero Beach, Florida.

 

What Mental Health Effects Can Abortion Have?

Everyone feels different after an abortion. Some studies say abortion might lead to mental health challenges for some women, like making existing problems worse or causing new ones.[1][2] 

Here are some possible after-abortion mental health effects:[3][4] 

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Low Self-Esteem
  • Substance Abuse
  • Suicidal Behaviors

If you’re thinking about suicide, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 right away.

Does the Abortion Pill Affect Mental Health Differently?

There are two main types of abortion: the abortion pill (medication abortion) and surgical abortion (done in a clinic). 

Both might affect mental health after abortion. One study found that abortions later in pregnancy, usually surgical, can raise the chance of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which means feeling stressed or scared long after a tough event.[5] Another study found the abortion pill might also cause long-term feelings like sadness or guilt.[6] 

Any woman considering abortion should know the processes of abortions and what to expect. 

 

Can Abortion Help with Depression?

Some women feel better right after an abortion because the stress of an unplanned pregnancy goes away.[7] But this feeling might not last. Studies say negative emotions, like guilt or sadness, can show up later.[8] 

A 2008 study found no proof that abortion makes mental health better and said it might raise the chance of mental health problems.[9] If you’re feeling depressed, talking to someone can help.

Call Care Net Pregnancy Center of IRC at (772) 569-7939 for free options education and support to make the right choice for you.

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Does an Unplanned Pregnancy Make Depression Worse?

An unplanned pregnancy can be stressful and might make depression or anxiety worse. But a study found that women who kept their pregnancy had fewer mental health problems than those who chose abortion.[10] 

Finding support can make a big difference. Visit Care Net Pregnancy Center of IRC or call (772) 569-7939 for help with your pregnancy.

 

Will I Feel Guilty After an Abortion?

No one can predict exactly how you’ll feel after an abortion. However, one study said depression risk can last up to eight years after an abortion.[11] 

If you’re feeling tough emotions after an abortion, call Care Net Pregnancy Center of IRC at (772) 569-7939 for nonjudgmental help and support.

 

How Does Abortion Affect Relationships?

Abortion can affect how you get along with your partner, family, or friends. One study said women who had an abortion might feel more depression or anxiety during future pregnancies.[12] If you felt pushed into an abortion, you might feel more stress or sadness, which can affect your relationships.[13] 

Talking openly or getting counseling can help.

 

Abortion Information in Vero Beach, Florida

You aren’t alone! Whatever you’re feeling, Care Net Pregnancy Center of IRC is a safe place to talk about your options and get the confidential care you deserve.

Give us a call at (772) 569-7939 or schedule your appointment online today. All services are confidential and free of charge.

Make an Appointment

Please be aware that Care Net Pregnancy Center of IRC does not provide or refer for abortion services. 

Sources

  1. Fergusson DM, Horwood LJ, Boden JM. Abortion and mental health disorders: evidence from a 30-year longitudinal study. British Journal of Psychiatry. 2008;193(6):444-451. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/the-british-journal-of-psychiatry/article/abortion-and-mental-health-disorders-evidence-from-a-30year-longitudinal-study/59A90CBF3A58C58B342CBCFFBBFEBD2E
  2. Mota, N. P., Burnett, M., & Sareen, J. (2010, April). Associations Between Abortion, Mental Disorders, and Suicidal Behaviour in a Nationally Representative Sample. American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists. https://www.aaplog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Mota-et-al.pdf
  3. Fergusson, D. M., Horwood, L. J., & Ridder, E. M. (2005, September 22). Abortion in young women and subsequent mental health. Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health. https://acamh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1469-7610.2005.01538.x
  4. Coleman PK. Abortion and mental health: quantitative synthesis and analysis of research published 1995–2009. British Journal of Psychiatry. 2011;199(3):180-186. doi:10.1192/bjp.bp.110.077230
  5. Priscilla K. Coleman, Catherine T. Coyle, Vincent M. Rue. Late-Term Elective Abortion and Susceptibility to Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms. Journal of Pregnancy, vol. 2010, Article ID 130519, 10 pages, 2010. https://doi.org/10.1155/2010/130519.
  6. Smith Dallabrida, E. (2022, October). Study Shows Long-Term Negative Impact of Medication Abortion. Support After Abortion. https://supportafterabortion.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Study-Shows-Long-Term-Negative-Impact-of-Medication-Abortion.pdf
  7. Dagg, P. (1991, May). The psychological sequelae of therapeutic abortion–denied and completed. The American Journal of Psychiatry. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2018157/
  8. See source #6. 
  9. See source #1.
  10. See source #1.
  11. Cougle JR, Reardon DC, Coleman PK. Depression associated with abortion and childbirth: a long-term analysis of the NLSY cohort. Med Sci Monit. 2003 Apr;9(4):CR105-12. PMID: 12709667.
  12. Huang, Z., Hao, J., Su, P., Huang, K., Xing, X., Cheng, D., Xiao, L., Xu, Y., Zhu, X., & Tao, F. T. (2012). The impact of prior abortion on anxiety and depression symptoms during a subsequent pregnancy: data from a population-based cohort study in China. Psychiatry and Clinical Psychopharmacology. https://psychiatry-psychopharmacology.com/en/the-impact-of-prior-abortion-on-anxiety-and-depression-symptoms-during-a-subsequent-pregnancy-data-from-a-population-based-cohort-study-in-china-131424
  13. Reardon DC, Longbons T. Effects of Pressure to Abort on Women’s Emotional Responses and Mental Health. Cureus. Published online January 31, 2023. doi:10.7759/cureus.34456