While our hearts ache for our country as it continues to struggle with a pandemic and racial injustice, many women are continuing to experience unexpected pregnancies.
In fact, some sources have predicted an increase in unexpected pregnancies during this time (United Nations Population Fund, 2020). Before you make a decision about whether or not to continue your pregnancy, it is important to know what risks are involved with having an abortion. Far too many women have rushed into the decision because thinking about it was too hard, or they feared that, if they thought about it for too long, they’d back out and not go through with their abortion. These women weren’t prepared for the negative effects that abortion can have on physical, emotional, and mental health. Many women have had abortions and gone on normally with their lives. Yet, the anecdotal and physical evidence about the dangers of abortion is too frequent to ignore. Many claim that abortion is healthcare, but the question remains if it actually improves a woman’s health.
Health Effects of Abortion.
Fertility.
Some studies have shown a link between having an abortion and future premature births or low birth weight. Women who have several abortions are at a higher risk of having fertility issues (Mayo Clinic, 2017). Asherman syndrome is when scar tissue or adhesions form in the uterus after some type of trauma. Though it is a rare occurrence, the tools used in surgical abortion procedures can damage the uterus and cause Asherman Syndrome.
Psychological Effects.
A 2011 study by Abolghasem Pourreza, PhD and Aziz Batebi, MD found that about 1/3 of the women studied experienced adverse psychological side-effects after abortion. The three most common were depression, worrying that they would not be able to conceive again, and disordered eating behaviors. Other side-effects reported were decreased self-esteem, nightmare, guilt, and regret.
A 2018 comprehensive literature review by David C. Reardon, illustrates the emphatic agreement that abortion can cause significant mental health issues. A variety of studies have researched abortion and mental health, and while some researchers disagree on how to interpret findings, the findings themselves have been consistent. Reardon begins by discussing where the researchers agree. He quotes a 2008 report from American Psychologist Association Task Force on Mental Health and Abortion; “it is clear that some women do experience sadness, grief, and feelings of loss following termination of a pregnancy, and some experience clinically significant disorders, including depression and anxiety.”
Psychiatrist Nada L. Stotland, a firm disbeliever in post-abortive trauma, began recommending screening for prospective abortion patients after witnessing a woman suffer a mental health crisis over a miscarriage that arose from unresolved pain from a prior abortion.
Reardon acknowledges that any study sampled comprised solely of volunteer participants is less generalizable to the population as a whole. However, he goes on to note that there are still “statistically significant risks” involved with having an abortion. Reardon concludes that it is clear that women who abort have a higher risk of various mental health problems.
Physical Effects.
There are a wide variety of physical risks associated with having an abortion. From uterine lacerations to excessive and sometimes lethal bleeding, significant risks are involved with having an abortion. For more information on the physical risks click here.
What You Can Do.
Talk It Out.
Abortion and mental health researchers have recommended more intensive pre-abortion counseling. It can be helpful to talk to a trained professional about your pregnancy options; abortion, adoption, and parenting. Reach out to a pregnancy resource center near you to speak with a trained client advocate or nurse.
Align Your Decision.
Make sure that the decision you make aligns with your beliefs. Many women disregard their personal beliefs and morals when they are in a state of panic. By taking time to reflect on which choice best aligns with your belief system, you can ensure that you will not experience guilt, grief, or other serious mental health issues like Depression or PTSD.
Find Resources.
Woodbury Options for Women is one place you can go to and talk through your options. You can also receive no-cost pregnancy testing, limited obstetrical ultrasounds, STI testing and more. Whatever you decide to do, make sure you talk to people you trust and see a trained professional who can support and help you along the way. If you or someone you know needs someone to talk to, we are here for you. Click to contact us today.
References.