Often overlooked for women considering an abortion is the impact it can have on mental health. While the physical effects may be immediate, the emotional and psychological effects can surface days, weeks, or even years later.
In this article, we’ll explore the potential adverse mental health effects of abortion that you should be aware of. If you need someone to talk to, please reach out to us at Heartbeats Women’s Center.
We are here to support you through an unplanned pregnancy with services and resources to help you feel prepared and empowered to handle any challenges you may face.
Mental Health and Abortion
Research supports that at least some women experience significant mental health issues that are caused, triggered, aggravated, or complicated by their abortion experience. This can often stem from being pressured into having an abortion or making the decision without fully considering their beliefs, which can lead to a struggle in reconciling their choice with their self-identity.
A few of the mental health issues some women face after an abortion include:
- Deep feelings of loss
- Regret
- Shame
- Guilt
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Insecurity
- Self-destructive behavior
Pre-Existing Factors
It’s critical that you are the one making your pregnancy decision. This is one of the most significant risk factors for experiencing adverse mental health outcomes.
Furthermore, you could be more at risk if you have any pre-existing conditions, such as:
- Having a history of mental health disorders
- Feeling pressured to terminate the pregnancy by others
- Lacking a support system to help you recover emotionally from the abortion
- A desire to have children now or in the future
Get Support
Protect your mental health by getting all the information you can about your pregnancy and your options.
At Heartbeats Women’s Center, you can get the care and support you need. We offer pregnancy services designed to provide key details that can unlock your options and help you be in control of your pregnancy decision.
Get a free and confidential appointment today.
