The mental health effects of abortion vary by women, but some research shows that women experiencing an abortion are more likely to suffer from mental health struggles such as:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Suicidal behavior
- Substance use disorder
Responses Vary
Abortion is a personal decision, and there are many reasons why a woman might not feel ready to become a parent. Similarly, there are many mental health responses to abortion. Some women will not experience a disturbance in their mental health. In contrast, others might be immediately affected, and others might not struggle with their mental health until months or even years later.
Post-abortion stress syndrome (PASS) is the name given to some women’s struggles after an abortion. With the increases and changes in hormones that occur in pregnancy and the sudden stop of pregnancy hormones that occur with abortion, the body and the brain are left shocked and confused. Some women recover quickly from this disturbance, while others may take a while to return to normal.
Risk Factors
No one can predict how a woman will respond to abortion, but some women may be at an increased risk for developing PASS. Factors that can contribute to PASS can include:
- Feeling pressured (either directly or indirectly) to abort
- A history of mental health struggles
- A desire to have children in the future
- Beliefs or values that are incongruent with abortion
After-Abortion Care
If you have experienced abortion and are struggling with your mental health as a result, please know you are not alone. These struggles are common after an abortion. Don’t wait for your symptoms to get better on their own. Seek healing at the Caring for Women Center. We provide free individual or group support. We want to help you find hope and healing.
How Can We Help?
Whether you are still deciding the outcome of your pregnancy or have already experienced an abortion, we are here to help. Caring for Women offers free and confidential services to support women. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
This blog is for informational purposes only. This facility is not a licensed medical facility. We do not offer, recommend, or refer for abortions or abortifacients; therefore, we receive no financial gain from your decision. We are committed to provide accurate information about pregnancy options, abortion procedure risks and alternatives, and after abortion care.