Abortion is a serious procedure that comes with potential risks to your mental health. While every woman will respond differently to abortion, it’s critical to know the possible ways that abortion could affect your mental health so that you can feel prepared to make an informed pregnancy decision.
This article will outline the essentials you need to know about abortion and mental health. But if you want to explore your options or access essential pregnancy services in a safe, confidential space, contact Woman to Woman Health Center today to schedule a no-cost appointment.
Mental Health Effects of Abortion
A report looking into current studies regarding abortion and adverse mental health outcomes found that at least some women experience “significant mental health issues that are caused, triggered, aggravated, or complicated by their abortion experience.”
Furthermore, this report concluded that the following are risk factors for adverse mental health outcomes after an abortion:
- Feeling at all pressured into choosing abortion
- Having an abortion despite conflicting moral beliefs or maternal desires
- History of prior mental illness
How Can I Protect My Mental Health?
Based on the findings of the previously mentioned report, it’s vital to ensure you’re making your own pregnancy decision without feeling pressured into getting an abortion.
It’s also important to consider how you feel about abortion. Asking yourself the following questions can help:
- Is anyone making me feel like abortion is my only option?
- How do I feel about abortion? Do I have any moral beliefs that are at odds with abortion? (i.e., particular religious views)
- Do I have a desire or heart to parent? (Even if you feel like your circumstances won’t allow you to parent, taking into account your desire to parent is critical.)
- Do I have a history of mental illness?
While these questions can give you a starting place to think about how you feel about abortion, it’s also important to ensure you know all you can about your other pregnancy options, which include parenting and adoption.
You’re Not Alone in This
Navigating your pregnancy options can be overwhelming. But you’re not alone in this. At Woman to Woman Health Center, we’re here for you.
We offer no-cost confidential pregnancy services to give you the support and resources you need to make an informed decision and protect your health.
Contact us today to schedule your no-cost appointment. Because you’re worth it.