Abortion providers insist there are no mental health risks to having an abortion, but research and the testimonies of women suggest otherwise. No one can predict how a woman would respond emotionally or physically to her abortion, but knowing that your mental health can be affected is vital.

Let’s look at the research and hear the testimonies of some women who say having an abortion changed them mentally.

What Does the Research Say?

A study that reviewed the research on abortion and its mental health effects came to the following conclusion:

  • Women who have had an abortion have consistently 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 report feeling immediate relief after their abortion, but some women, within weeks, months, or years, say those feelings change to sadness, grief, a sense of loss, regret, and guilt.

The following are some of the factors that may have added to their mental health problems, according to the above study:

  • Perceived pressure from others to terminate a pregnancy
  • Terminating a pregnancy that is wanted
  • Feelings of stigma, perceived need for secrecy
  • A prior history of mental health problems
  • Low self-esteem
  • A history of prior abortion
  • Abortion after the first trimester

What Do Some Women Say?

“Struggling with mental health after abortion

Hello, I had an abortion back in October that has seemed to encapsulate all of my thoughts/emotions. I have severe guilt, even though I know I wasn’t ready. It’s constant, I panic multiple times throughout the week, I constantly become tearful.” Anonymous Reddit User

“Guilt, grief, shame, regret and some resentment are all feelings I still feel. Next week will be 9 years and I have never properly dealt with these emotions.” Anonymous Reddit User

“It’s been 10 years for me. It sucks so much. And no one warned me about how I would feel.” Anonymous Reddit User

What Do Some Men Say?

“Wife Got an Abortion, I’m Devastated

Happened about 2 months ago. Found out she was pregnant 2 months, terminated within a couple days of knowing, and I can’t help but still feel devastated about the decision. I wanted to keep it, she did not. I’ve been hurting every day.”   Anonymous Reddit User

Does Every Person Feel Sorrow?

Many women also report having no feelings of regret or remorse. An abortion is a unique experience, and your mental health before and after an abortion can affect the outcome.

An unintended pregnancy can be overwhelming, and deciding how to handle it can be stressful, but you’re asking the right questions. 

How Choices Can Help

Choices provides free and confidential after abortion follow-up care. If you’ve had an abortion and need to speak with someone, please contact Choices. 

If you’ve recently discovered you are unexpectedly pregnant and are unsure what to do, we can review your situation and options. Although Choices does not perform or refer for abortion, we can give you factual, medically based information about both surgical and medical abortions.

We can also discuss the various physical and emotional risks that are possible with abortion. Get the facts before making a decision.

Schedule a free and confidential appointment at Choices. You, your health, and safety are our priority.

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

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