Like every pregnancy, every abortion experience is unique. Although most women say they felt immediate relief after their abortions, some began to struggle with their mental health within weeks, months, or years later. 

If you are considering an abortion, learning as much as possible about the potential emotional and physical risks is vital. Although no one can predict how you will respond emotionally, some factors should be considered.  

Can an Abortion Cause Mental Health Problems?

Abortion providers usually claim there are no mental health issues with an abortion, but testimonies from some women say otherwise. Medical studies also suggest that having an abortion can cause mental health problems for at least some women.. 

One research study concluded the following about some women’s reactions to their abortions:

• 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. 
• There are risk factors, such as pre-existing mental illness, that identify women at the most significant risk of mental health problems after an abortion.

Other factors that add to emotional problems include:

• Low self-esteem
• Perceived lack of control over one’s life
• Perceived need for secrecy
• Lack of support from others
• A history of prior abortions

What Type of Mental Health Problems do Women Experience?

Again, every woman’s abortion experience is unique. The above study found that women who struggle emotionally experience some of the following:

• Complicated grief
• A sense of loss
• Trauma
• Depression/anxiety
• Substance use
• Sleep disorders

Before An Abortion

There are some steps you should take first if you are considering an abortion. 

• Meet with your healthcare provider to discuss your current medications and physical and mental health.
• Confirm your pregnancy with a pregnancy test and an ultrasound exam. 
• Learn as much as possible about abortion procedures, the side effects to expect, and the potential for physical and emotional health problems.

How Can Anderson House Help Me?

Although we do not perform or refer for abortion, we can provide factual, medically based information about the procedures, side effects, and potential risks. In addition, we offer free and confidential pregnancy tests.

If your test is positive, we can offer a free ultrasound. An ultrasound is crucial for learning your options. 

At Anderson House, we believe the more you know, the easier it is to make a confident decision for your future. If you have experienced emotional trauma from a previous abortion, talk to us. We offer AbAnon, an 8-week online healing program.

You and your emotional health matter to us. How can we help you today?

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