Abortion is a permanent, life-changing decision that terminates a pregnancy, and there’s a lot of misinformation about it—this is why we talk about abortion. At Relevant Pregnancy Options, we believe that every woman deserves to have all the information she needs so that she can be empowered to make the right decision for her.
While some women feel relieved and suffer few side effects after an abortion, other women experience adverse mental health effects and physical complications.
Read on to learn more about the potential mental health and physical risks associated with abortion, and how to take next steps. If you want to talk about all your options and receive support, schedule a free, confidential appointment here.
Mental Health Risks of Abortion
Sadness. Guilt. Shame. Regret. These are just some of the difficult feelings women who have had an abortion report experiencing after the procedure. While every woman’s experience is unique, recent studies indicate that more women than previously known face mental health challenges after an abortion.
According to a comprehensive study, 81% of women who had an abortion after an unplanned pregnancy were at an increased risk of mental health problems, including but not limited to substance abuse, depression, and anxiety.
You’re more likely to experience these mental health risks if you feel pressured into having an abortion. This is a big deal considering 75% of women who had an abortion felt subtly pressured into making the decision, according to another recent study by the Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons. The study found that the women who felt pressured experienced: “depression (14.4%), guilt (14%), shame, regret, self-hatred, feelings of worthlessness, feelings of being unworthy of love, drug or alcohol addiction (9%), low self-esteem, anxiety, and thoughts or attempts of suicide (6.2%).”
Physical Risks of Abortion
Both medical (known as the “abortion pill”) and surgical abortions come with risks.
For a medical abortion, the main risks are associated with the effects of the drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol. The main risks of taking these drugs include infection, bleeding too much, and incomplete abortion (which is when parts of the pregnancy remain in the uterus).
For a surgical abortion, the main risks are associated with the medical instruments that are involved and the process. These risks include cervical damage, uterine perforation, and infection.
Next Steps
Thinking about the next steps for your pregnancy can feel overwhelming, and it’s difficult to know where to start. At Relevant Pregnancy Options Center, we understand what you’re going through, and we’re here for you. We offer free pregnancy resources that can help you make an informed decision about what to do next. Call us today at 618-654-3732, or text 636-587-0440 to make an appointment.