Every abortion experience is unique, and no one can predict how you will respond mentally or be affected physically. Many women say they feel relief immediately following their abortions. However, within weeks, months, or even years, some say their feelings change to sadness and grief.
There are a couple of factors that may determine how you will emotionally respond to an abortion. Let’s take a closer look.
If you need to speak to someone immediately about your concerns, contact one of our compassionate team members by calling (530) 626-6720 or texting (530) 363-8110.
Does an Abortion Affect Mental Health?
Having an abortion is a serious medical decision. With any major medical procedure, you should be thoroughly informed about the side effects to expect and the potential risks.
A review of several studies found three issues concerning some women who have an abortion. Here is what they found:
- Having an abortion is consistently associated with elevated rates of mental illness compared to women without a history of abortion.
- The abortion experience directly contributes to mental health problems for at least some women.
- There are risk factors, such as pre-existing mental illness, that identify women at greatest risk of mental health problems after an abortion.
How Does Abortion Affect Some Women?
Women who struggled mentally after their abortions expressed the following issues:
- Grief
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Substance abuse
- Traumatic symptoms
- Sleep disorders
How Will an Abortion Affect Me?
Only you know the state of your mental health at the time of your abortion. Talking with a qualified healthcare professional before an abortion is vital. Be sure to share your reasons for the abortion.
Women who feel pressure from others to have an abortion struggle more, as do women who lack support or feel the need to keep the pregnancy a secret.
Many factors can influence how you will respond to an abortion. Although PCS Health does not perform or refer for abortion, we can give you factual information about abortion procedures, side effects to expect, and potential physical and psychological risks.
You owe it to your health and safety to get as much information as possible beforehand. Schedule a free appointment with a caring team member at PCS Health. We can confirm your pregnancy with free pregnancy services like pregnancy testing and a limited ultrasound.
We can also discuss your mental health. You’re welcome to bring someone along with you for greater support if you would like.
At PCS Health, we’re here for you.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.