What Are the Mental Health Effects of Abortion?

November 29, 2023

Abortion comes with risks to your mental health, and these risks are greater if you feel at all pressured to choose abortion for your pregnancy. 

According to the Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons, almost 75% of women who had an abortion felt at least subtly pressured into making the decision, and of these women, many suffered psychological effects afterward: “Women reported symptoms of 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%).”

If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy and considering abortion, it’s essential to learn all you can so that you can make an informed decision. Be informed without feeling pressured into a decision—your mental health depends on it. 

Read on to learn more about what you need to know before choosing abortion. Or, if you want to talk to someone in person about your pregnancy options, contact Options For Her today to schedule a free, confidential appointment. 

Details About Your Pregnancy

Before seeking an abortion, it’s critical to learn the key details about your pregnancy that you need to know to stay safe. These details include:

• Pregnancy age: Some abortion options, like the abortion pill, are only FDA-approved if your pregnancy is under 11 weeks gestation. Discovering your pregnancy’s age will help you know what options are available.
• Pregnancy location: Typical pregnancies attach and grow in your uterus. But sometimes, a pregnancy will attach and grow outside your uterus. This is known as an ectopic pregnancy, and it’s a life-threatening situation that needs emergency medical treatment. 
• Pregnancy viability: Roughly 26% of pregnancies end in miscarriage, so you will want to ensure that your pregnancy has signs of life, such as a heartbeat. If not, you will need medical guidance and possible follow-up care. 

Getting an ultrasound is the only way to know these details about your pregnancy. At Options For Her, we provide free, limited ultrasounds because we believe in protecting your health and safety. 

Do You Still Have Questions?

Before choosing abortion, it’s critical that you know all you can and have all your questions answered to help ensure you make a confident decision without feeling pressured or influenced.

Here are some questions you’ll want to have answered:

• Do I know how abortion could affect my health? 
• Do I know how the different procedures work? 
• Do I have a support system in place in case I have mental health complications after an abortion?
• Do I know about my other options (parenting and adoption)?

At Options For Her, we can help you find the answers you need to make an informed decision. We also provide free, confidential services, information, and resources to help you feel supported. You don’t have to do this alone. Contact us today to be connected to one of our caring team members.