“Having a medical abortion is a major decision with emotional and psychological consequences.” A Mayo Clinic staff member wrote those words when talking about medical abortion. They go on to say that a woman should ensure she understands what abortion entails, the side effects, possible risks, complications, and alternatives.
Does Abortion Cause Mental Health Problems?
Over the years, experts have published studies regarding the connection between abortion and mental health. An article titled, Psychiatric complications of abortion, stated that “no research study has found that induced abortion is associated with a better mental health outcome.”
This same study listed the following as potential emotional outcomes of abortion:
- Alcohol or illegal drug dependence
- Mood disorders (including depression)
- Anxiety disorders
Another article, published in the National Library of Medicine, reviewed several studies. They determined the following:
- Abortion is consistently associated with 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.
- Risk factors, such as pre-existing mental illness, identify women at greatest risk of mental health problems after abortion.
How Is Your Mental Health?
The news regularly challenges our mental health. Whether it was a pandemic and lockdowns or crime and political upheaval, the last few years have been difficult.
According to the CDC, mental health issues affect 1 in 5 U.S. adults. It appears that the hardest hit with mental health problems are Millennials and Gen Z. Psychiatrist.com reports that 42% of Gen Z have received a mental health diagnosis. The most common diagnosis is anxiety, followed by depression.
Millennials are labeled the “anxious generation” and the “burnout generation.” Blue Cross Blue Shield indicates major depression grew the fastest among the top 10 health conditions affecting Millennials.
Life, in and of itself, is stressful. The worry of rising costs, the loneliness of remote working, and social media pressure can cause daily stress. When you add the additional stress of an unplanned pregnancy, it is almost unbearable.
Please Come and Talk With Us
Although we do not provide or refer for abortion, we can offer factual information regarding various abortion procedures, side effects, and potential risks. In addition, we can verify your pregnancy with free and confidential pregnancy testing and schedule a free limited obstetrical ultrasound exam if your test result is positive.
You have options, and the caring team at SouthWest Options for Women would like to share those with you. We can discuss your situation and the best option for you and your future.
Please schedule an appointment and let us know the best way to contact you. We are here for you.