No one can say what specific emotional or mental health problems a person will experience after an abortion. Like every woman, every abortion situation is unique. How you would respond to an abortion might be completely different from someone else.
However, research suggests having an abortion can add to mental health problems for some women. Are you one of them? Learn more about the characteristics that might lead to mental health problems after an abortion.
Who Is Affected?
The National Library of Medicine published a study about the effects of abortion on a woman’s mental health. Here are some of their findings:
- 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.
Many women say they feel relief immediately following their abortions. But they struggle with their decision within weeks, months, or even years. They may experience guilt, shame, sadness, or grief.
If a woman feels pressured to have an abortion, her anxiety is even greater. In one study, 61% of women reported high levels of pressure leading to a decline in overall mental health.
What Should Be Done Before an Abortion?
There are several steps experts recommend taking first. You need to confirm your pregnancy through a urine or blood test. Following up with a limited obstetrical ultrasound is also recommended.
An ultrasound determines how far along you are in your pregnancy. This is essential information if you are considering the abortion pill method. The FDA does not approve these drugs passed 10 weeks of pregnancy.
Ultrasound also determines if your pregnancy is growing or if you have had a miscarriage, and it can detect the pregnancy’s location to make sure it is in the correct place.
Your healthcare provider should evaluate your medical history and explain the process, expected side effects, and potential complications. They should also encourage you to consider all of your options to ensure confidence in your decision.
What Does LaVie Health Clinic Offer?
Although we do not perform or refer for abortion, we can provide quality, professional pre-abortion care. The nurses at LaVie Health Clinic administer free, confidential urine pregnancy testing and offer a free, limited obstetrical ultrasound. They make sure you have as much information about your pregnancy as possible.
Plus, a nurse discusses the abortion procedures, side effects, and potential complications. You can ask questions, share your concerns, and learn about other options.
We care about your mental health and physical safety. Schedule a free appointment for pre-abortion care or to chat about your situation. At LaVie Health Clinic, we’re here for you.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.
