What Are the Potential Mental Health Impacts of Abortion Decisions?

Every woman will respond differently to their abortion experience for various reasons. Women’s personalities and maternal dreams are unique, and some are genetically predisposed to mental health issues. 

Additionally, the actual abortion experience will be unique. Maybe one woman took the abortion pill and felt traumatized by the amount of blood she saw or by seeing the fetus. While another woman could have been sedated for a surgical abortion and didn’t see anything, and now she grapples with no longer being pregnant.

Mental health isn’t one size fits all, but we know a few facts to consider when thinking about the impacts of abortion. Keep reading to learn more. 

If you’re struggling with your mental health after an abortion, talk with us at Positive Options by calling 616.546.0610. We’d love to support you and help you find healing.

Mental Health and Abortion: What We Know

Here are a few facts to note.

• At least some women experience negative mental health impacts after an abortion.

• Certain factors can raise the risk of mental health impacts, such as having conflicting moral or religious beliefs or existing maternal desires.

• Women who have a history of mental health issues are at a higher risk of experiencing mental health issues after an abortion.

• One study found that having an abortion increased the risk of having mental health issues by 81%, with 10% of the incidence tied directly to abortion.

• Some women report struggling mentally months or years after an abortion procedure, which means that a woman’s feelings can change or last for a long time.

• There are endless stories online and those shared with us in our center that debunk the myths that abortion doesn’t impact mental health. We know firsthand that it does.

You Know Your Mental Health Best

You are the best indicator of how you would react to an abortion. How would you feel after? Would there be any reasons for you to grieve? 

If you’re on the fence about whether or not to abort, think through the potential mental health impacts you might face. You know yourself best.

We’re Here to Support YOU

Whether you are pregnant and considering your options, or you had an abortion and struggle mentally, we offer support just for you.

Contact us at 616.546.0610 to share your unique story, and we will help you the best way we can. You deserve to heal and move forward with confidence and peace.

Positive Options does not provide or refer for abortions.

All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing