Struggling with mental health is an everyday challenge. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates one in five American adults currently live with a mental illness. If you are contemplating having an abortion, be sure to talk with your healthcare provider first. Some studies suggest that abortion can negatively affect a woman’s mental health.
What Does the Research Say?
A review of several studies about the effect 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.
Get the Facts First
Although Reach Out Pregnancy Center does not perform or refer for abortions, we can offer factual, medical-based information on abortion procedures and potential physical and emotional risks. Having an abortion is a major medical decision, and you deserve to have as much information as possible beforehand.
In addition, we recommend confirming your pregnancy with pregnancy testing and a limited obstetrical ultrasound. Reach Out offers both of these pregnancy services at no cost to you.
You Are Not Alone
More than anything, we want you to know you are not alone. If you struggle with mental health issues and are now facing an unplanned pregnancy, we can help. Please contact us for the support and care you need.
The Reach Out Pregnancy Center team can also assist you with community referrals for several low- or no-cost resources. Help is available.
Schedule a no-cost, confidential appointment with us today. We can discuss your situation and develop a plan to help you move forward.