If you are pregnant and considering abortion, it’s essential to understand the health risks you may face physically and emotionally.

Just as the physical risks and side effects of abortion can vary for each woman, the impact of an abortion on your mental health is hard to predict.

What are the Mental Health Risks to Abortion?

Women’s emotions after an abortion vary widely; some will feel relief, while others will experience guilt, shame, grief, and anger.

Some mental health impacts of an abortion may be seen immediately, while some emotions may not surface until years later.

According to a comprehensive review of research and studies, the National Library of Medicine has found that post-abortive women face a higher risk of mental health issues, including:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Substance use disorder
  • Eating disorders
  • Suicidal thoughts or behaviors

Post-Abortion Stress Syndrome

According to some mental health professionals, when symptoms of mental health disorders manifest themselves after an abortion procedure, it is a sign of Post-Abortion Stress Syndrome, also known as PASS. 

PASS is a form of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Risk factors that can increase your chance of suffering from PASS can include the following: 

  • Your cultural or religious belief system conflicts with abortion
  • You felt pressured to terminate the pregnancy by others 
  • Lacking a support system to help you recover emotionally from the abortion
  • A desire to have children now or in the future
  • You have a history of mental health disorders 

Pre-Abortion Consultation

For the sake of your physical and mental health, it’s important to get all the information you can before deciding about your pregnancy.

Steps you can take that will empower you to make the best decision for your health and future should include:

  • Getting an ultrasound screening to learn important details about your pregnancy
  • Talking with medical professionals to learn what options are available to you and the risks and outcomes of each option
  • Processing your thoughts and feelings in a safe and confidential environment

The Wellspring Pregnancy and Health Center team can help with all these steps. From providing free pregnancy test confirmation and ultrasound scans to answering all your questions and listening to your fears and concerns, we are here for you.

Contact us today to schedule your free and confidential appointment and start getting the help and answers you deserve.