No Longer Silent: How Abortion Can Affect Women
by Ag Park
Research shows that some women who undergo abortion are affected by psychological implications and mental health problems. In fact, so many women are affected by psychological disturbances that there now is a term to explain this condition: “Post-Abortion Syndrome." The following information will share the facts and statistics of women after abortion, reasons for such psychological effects, and ways to seek help.
According to a study of the medical records of 56,741 California Medicaid patients, women who had an abortion were 160 percent more likely than women who delivered a baby to be hospitalized for psychiatric treatment within 90 days after an abortion or delivery. Another study, which was published in the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, found that women who underwent an abortion had a 98 percent increased risk for a mental health disorder compared to women who did not have an abortion. Women who had abortions also had a 59 percent increased risk for suicidal thoughts, 61 percent increased risk for mood disorders, 61 percent increased risk for social anxiety disorders, 261 percent increased risk for alcohol abuse, and 280 percent increased risk for any substance use disorder. There has been so much research done on this topic that there’s too many to list. But all of these research done by professionals give one main message: abortion can affect a woman’s well-being.
So why is it possible for a woman to be so greatly affected by this decision? Research shows that women may regrets about their abortion and feel remorse and guilt for making the decision. This causes them to become anxious and depressed, which can develop into severe anxiety and depression. Many women also refuse to seek help right away when they feel depressed because they think that they are just having mood swings and don’t want others to know about their problems. As a result, their repressed emotions can cause psychosomatic illnesses and psychiatric or behavioral problems.
Therapists recommend women who are suffering from depression and anxiety to first seek help from family and friends by opening up to them. If the problem worsens, they recommend seeking help from therapists and counsellors. Many women also find help from their church by getting the support from their church community and spiritually healing through prayer. There are also many organizations that support women who are suffering from the effects of having an abortion. Some examples are Hope After Abortion and Connect and Breathe.
There are also organizations that help women who choose not to end their pregnancies. Many women undergo abortion because they feel like that is their only choice and feel completely alone. An organization like Birthright provides that support by offering free, non-judgmental help to women facing unplanned pregnancies. They respect and listen to any decision women make and help them to make realistic plans according to their decision.
Though many women suffer from negative effects after an abortion, there is help out there. Women do not have to suffer alone; there is always someone out there who can help.