You are not alone if you currently struggle with mental health issues. Experts estimate one in five American adults wrestles with the problem. For some, it can become so serious that they cannot complete daily tasks.
If you struggle with severe mental illness, please contact the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) for support.
Does an Abortion Affect Mental Health?
The effect of abortion on a woman’s health is a controversial topic. A review of several studies about the impact of an abortion on a woman’s mental health discovered the following:
- Abortion is consistently associated with higher 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.
- Factors such as a pre-existing mental illness put women at greater risk of mental health problems after an abortion.
The review also found that certain situations caused more significant mental health issues, such as:
- A history of prior abortions
- Pressure from others to terminate a pregnancy
- Lack of support from family and friends
- Personality factors such as low self-esteem
As you can see, according to the research, abortion can increase your mental health problems if you have previously struggled mentally.
Many women report feeling relieved immediately following their abortions, but within weeks, months, or years, they begin to suffer emotionally from their decision. They may experience anxiety, grief, sadness, and depression.
How Can Affirm Women’s Health Assist Me?
Although Affirm does not perform or refer for abortions, we can offer factual, medically based information on abortion procedures and potential physical and emotional risks.
Choosing to have an abortion is a major life-altering decision that can cause stress, anxiety, and fear. Don’t make this choice alone. We are here to talk with you about your situation and options.
If you struggle with mental health issues and are now facing an unplanned pregnancy, we can help. Please contact us by filling out our confidential online Contact Form or calling 859-575-7060. At Affirm, it costs you nothing to get the help and answers you need.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.