What Are the Mental Health Effects from Abortion?

Mental health effects after an abortion are not uncommon. With the serious procedure of abortion comes risks and side effects, some that are momentary and some long-lasting. 

Some mental effects of abortion could include depression, anxiety, or emotions like loss or grief. In this blog, we will discuss the potential effects of abortion and the symptoms to look out for.

What is Abortion?

There are two main types of abortion: medical abortion and surgical abortion. Abortion works to end an existing pregnancy, whether through a more in-depth surgical procedure or with medication. 

Each type has its risks to your mental health as well as physical risks. According to the Mayo Clinic and MedlinePlus, potential physical risks to abortion include incomplete abortion, infection, heavy/prolonged bleeding, damage to the cervix, and more.

The Mental Health Effects Of Abortion

According to the National Institute of Health, women with a history of abortion do experience “elevated rates of mental illness” compared to women who haven’t had an abortion. 

Another study done by TFMHA concluded their study with “it is clear that some women do experience sadness, grief, and feelings of loss following termination of a pregnancy, and some experience clinically significant disorders, including depression and anxiety.”

Some women experience a range of emotions after an abortion. Here are symptoms of Post Abortion Stress that you could experience…

• Generalized guilt
• Generalized anxiety
• Denial and repression
• Depression
• Regret and Remorse
• Flashbacks
• Specific or generalized sense of grief and loss

Learn More Today 

To navigate an unplanned pregnancy, you will first need to confirm how far along you are, learn your viability, and the location of your pregnancy. Confirm your pregnancy today with our free lab-quality urine pregnancy testing and an ultrasound.

Schedule a free and confidential appointment with us today to learn more about your pregnancy choices. Same-day appointments are available!

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