An unplanned pregnancy can feel overwhelming and bring up complex emotions. If you’re considering abortion, it’s important to understand how it can affect you—both physically and mentally. The relationship between abortion and mental health is a topic every woman needs to understand before making her decision.
In this article, we’ll explore the effects of abortion on mental health and where you can go to get help. Keep reading to learn more about this important topic.
What Mental Health Effects Can Abortion Have?
Everyone experiences different emotions after an abortion. The question “how does abortion affect mental health?” doesn’t have a single answer because each woman’s experience is unique.
Some studies suggest that abortion may lead to mental health issues for some women. It can worsen existing problems or create new ones.[1][2]
Research on mental health after abortion has identified several possible psychological effects that some women may experience. Understanding these potential outcomes is important as you consider your options.
Here are some possible after-abortion mental health effects:[3][4]
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Low self-esteem
- Substance abuse
- Suicidal behaviors
If you’re thinking about suicide, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 right away.
To understand how abortion affects a woman’s mental health, we need to consider several factors. These include her past mental health, the situation around the pregnancy, and the support she has.
Does the Abortion Pill Affect Mental Health Differently?
Two main types of abortion exist: the abortion pill (medication abortion) and surgical abortion (done in a clinic). Both methods might affect mental health differently, which is worth noting.
For example, one study found that having a surgical abortion later in pregnancy can increase the risk of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).[5] PTSD is a mental health condition that’s caused by a stressful event. Symptoms may include flashbacks, anxiety, and unwanted thoughts about the event.[6]
Another study found that the abortion pill might cause long-term feelings of sadness or guilt. The experience of taking medication at home may feel different from a surgical procedure.[7] Some women may feel more isolated during the abortion pill process.
Can Abortion Help with Depression?
Some women feel immediate relief after an abortion because the stress of an unplanned pregnancy goes away.[8] However, when examining mental health after abortion over time, this feeling might not last. Studies show that negative feelings, like guilt or sadness, can come up later. This can happen weeks, months, or even years after the procedure.[9]
A 2008 study found no proof that abortion makes mental health better and said it might raise the chance of mental health problems.[10] This research shows that abortion can give short-term relief from stress related to pregnancy, but it does not fix deeper mental health issues.
If you’re feeling depressed or unsure what to do, talking to someone can help. Schedule an appointment at Pathways PRC for free options education and support to make the right choice for you.
Please be aware that Pathways PRC does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Does an Unplanned Pregnancy Make Depression Worse?
Many women wonder how abortion affects a woman’s mental health compared to continuing an unplanned pregnancy. Research offers some insight into this question.
One study found that women who kept their pregnancy had fewer mental health problems than those who chose abortion.[11] This does not mean that continuing a pregnancy is easy. However, it suggests that the decision has different effects on mental health.
Finding support can make a significant difference in the decision process. Visit Pathways PRC or call 970-247-5559 for help with your pregnancy.
Will I Feel Guilty After an Abortion?
No one can predict exactly how you’ll feel after an abortion. The question “can abortion cause mental health problems” is deeply personal, and responses vary widely among women. However, research on abortion and mental health indicates that some women do experience prolonged emotional effects.
One study said depression risk can last up to eight years after an abortion.[12] This long-term impact shows how important it is to have good support systems. You need these both before and after your decision.
How Does Abortion Affect Relationships?
Abortion doesn’t just impact you individually—it can create ripples throughout your support system. Consider how the procedure can affect your relationships with your partner, family, or friends is important.
A study looked at mental health after abortion. It found that women who had an abortion felt more depression or anxiety in future pregnancies.[13] This means that the emotional effects can last longer than just after the event, and can also affect how you feel about pregnancy later on.
If you felt pushed into an abortion or made the decision under pressure, you might feel more stress or sadness, which can affect your relationships.[14] Feeling coerced or unsupported during the decision-making process is a significant risk factor for negative mental health outcomes.
Talking openly or getting counseling can help you process these feelings and rebuild connections with loved ones.
Getting Support for Your Decision
You aren’t alone. Whatever you’re feeling, Pathways PRC is a safe place to discuss your options and get the confidential care you deserve. Whether you’re researching abortion and mental health or need someone to talk to about your pregnancy, we’re here to help.
Give us a call at 970-247-5559 or schedule your appointment online today. All services are confidential and free of charge.
Please be aware that Pathways PRC does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does abortion affect mental health?
Abortion can affect mental health in various ways, and the experience differs for each woman. Some women feel relief after an abortion, while others may experience depression, anxiety, guilt, or sadness. Research suggests that mental health effects can appear immediately after the procedure or emerge months or years later.
Can abortion cause long-term mental health problems?
Studies have found that abortion may be associated with long-term mental health challenges for some women. Research indicates that depression risk can last up to eight years after an abortion, and some women report experiencing anxiety or PTSD symptoms, particularly after later-term or surgical abortions.
What is the difference between medication abortion and surgical abortion regarding mental health?
Both types of abortion can affect mental health, but in different ways. Research suggests that surgical abortions, especially later in pregnancy, may increase the risk of PTSD.
Medication abortions (the abortion pill) have been associated with long-term feelings of sadness or guilt, possibly because women experience the process at home with less immediate medical support.
How does abortion affect future pregnancies?
Some research indicates that women who have had an abortion may experience increased depression or anxiety during subsequent pregnancies. The emotional impact of a previous abortion can resurface when facing another pregnancy, even if that pregnancy is planned and wanted.
Where can I get support if I’m struggling with mental health after an abortion?
If you’re experiencing difficult emotions after an abortion, support is available. You can call Pathways PRC at 970-247-5559 for free, confidential after-abortion support.
If you’re having thoughts of suicide, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 immediately.
Sources
- Fergusson DM, Horwood LJ, Boden JM. Abortion and mental health disorders: evidence from a 30-year longitudinal study. British Journal of Psychiatry. 2008;193(6):444-451. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/the-british-journal-of-psychiatry/article/abortion-and-mental-health-disorders-evidence-from-a-30year-longitudinal-study/59A90CBF3A58C58B342CBCFFBBFEBD2E
- Mota, N. P., Burnett, M., & Sareen, J. (2010, April). Associations Between Abortion, Mental Disorders, and Suicidal Behaviour in a Nationally Representative Sample. American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists. https://www.aaplog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Mota-et-al.pdf
- Fergusson, D. M., Horwood, L. J., & Ridder, E. M. (2005, September 22). Abortion in young women and subsequent mental health. Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health. https://acamh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1469-7610.2005.01538.x
- Coleman PK. Abortion and mental health: quantitative synthesis and analysis of research published 1995–2009. British Journal of Psychiatry. 2011;199(3):180-186. doi:10.1192/bjp.bp.110.077230
- Priscilla K. Coleman, Catherine T. Coyle, Vincent M. Rue. Late-Term Elective Abortion and Susceptibility to Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms. Journal of Pregnancy, vol. 2010, Article ID 130519, 10 pages, 2010. https://doi.org/10.1155/2010/130519.
- Mayo Clinic. (2024, August 16). Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355967
- Smith Dallabrida, E. (2022, October). Study Shows Long-Term Negative Impact of Medication Abortion. Support After Abortion. https://supportafterabortion.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Study-Shows-Long-Term-Negative-Impact-of-Medication-Abortion.pdf
- Dagg, P. (1991, May). The psychological sequelae of therapeutic abortion–denied and completed. The American Journal of Psychiatry. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2018157/
- See source #7.
- See source #1.
- See source #1.
- Cougle JR, Reardon DC, Coleman PK. Depression associated with abortion and childbirth: a long-term analysis of the NLSY cohort. Med Sci Monit. 2003 Apr;9(4):CR105-12. PMID: 12709667.
- Huang, Z., Hao, J., Su, P., Huang, K., Xing, X., Cheng, D., Xiao, L., Xu, Y., Zhu, X., & Tao, F. T. (2012). The impact of prior abortion on anxiety and depression symptoms during a subsequent pregnancy: data from a population-based cohort study in China. Psychiatry and Clinical Psychopharmacology. https://psychiatry-psychopharmacology.com/en/the-impact-of-prior-abortion-on-anxiety-and-depression-symptoms-during-a-subsequent-pregnancy-data-from-a-population-based-cohort-study-in-china-131424
Reardon DC, Longbons T. Effects of Pressure to Abort on Women’s Emotional Responses and Mental Health. Cureus. Published online January 31, 2023. doi:10.7759/cureus.34456