Understanding the Relationship Between Abortion and Mental Health

Understanding the Relationship Between Abortion and Mental Health

The Truth About Abortion and Mental Health

Evidence suggests that abortion doesn’t lead to poor mental health – but restricting abortion access does.

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Myths Debunked

You may have been told that many people experience "post-abortion syndrome" or "post-abortion stress syndrome" – a condition where you have PTSD-like symptoms after abortion. But there’s no evidence that this actually exists. Post-abortion syndrome isn’t recognized by the International Classification of Diseases or the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition.

The Science

Decades of rigorous research have found that abortion doesn’t cause mental health conditions or symptoms of them. Instead, restricting access to abortion care can have a negative impact on mental health.

Research Says

The Turnaway Study, a landmark analysis conducted by Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health, gathered data on people who sought abortions over a period of several years. Studies based on the Turnaway Study data have found that:

• Having an abortion doesn’t lead to worse mental health outcomes.
• Whether they received or were denied abortions, participants experienced improvements in their mental health 5 years after seeking abortion services.
• People who had an abortion were no more likely to feel suicidal than those who were denied an abortion, neither immediately after seeking an abortion nor years later.
• People who had an abortion were no more likely to develop PTSD than those who were denied an abortion, neither immediately after seeking an abortion nor years later.
• Having an abortion doesn’t lead to increased alcohol use, tobacco use, or use of other substances.

Emotional Support

If you’re looking for emotional support after having an abortion, consider reaching out to All-Options (888-493-0092) or Exhale (call 866-439-4253 or text 617-749-2948) for compassionate and nonjudgmental post-abortion counseling.

Access to Abortion Care

Access to abortion care is banned in many states. In states where abortion is legal, you may have to face restrictions such as mandatory waiting periods between the time you seek abortion care and the time you receive abortion services. Research suggests that mandatory waiting periods can cause emotional distress and financial burden, particularly for people from lower-income households and those who live farther from abortion professionals.

The Consequences of Denying Abortions

Research shows that people who were denied abortions are more likely to:

• Experience poor mental health outcomes
• Live in poverty
• Have lower child development scores
• Experience poor maternal bonding
• Have children who are more likely to experience poor mental health outcomes

Conclusion

There are many myths about mental health and abortion. Research overwhelmingly shows that having an abortion does not result in poor mental health outcomes – but being denied an abortion does. Whether you’ve had an abortion, been denied an abortion, or are considering abortion, it’s a good idea to get emotional support if you feel that you need it.

FAQs

Q: What is post-abortion syndrome?
A: There is no evidence that post-abortion syndrome actually exists.

Q: Does having an abortion lead to poor mental health outcomes?
A: No, research suggests that having an abortion does not lead to poor mental health outcomes.

Q: What are the consequences of denying abortions?
A: Research shows that people who are denied abortions are more likely to experience poor mental health outcomes, live in poverty, and have children who are more likely to experience poor mental health outcomes.

Q: Where can I find emotional support after having an abortion?
A: You can reach out to All-Options (888-493-0092) or Exhale (call 866-439-4253 or text 617-749-2948) for compassionate and nonjudgmental post-abortion counseling.