If you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy, abortion may seem like the simplest option.
You might be hoping to make a pregnancy decision that allows you to continue with your “normal” life.
Before choosing this option, it’s vital to acknowledge the potential impacts abortion can have on your mental health.
Abortion’s Impact on Mental Health
While it’s difficult to predict how a woman’s mental health will be impacted by abortion, post-abortive women can experience adverse mental health effects shortly after or even years later.
Research shows that abortion increases the risk of mental health issues, ranging from grief and feelings of loss to more severe mental health concerns, including major depression, anxiety, nervous disorders, sleep disturbances, and substance abuse.
Who’s At Risk?
No matter your circumstances, having an abortion puts you at increased risk of mental health issues.
However, women who have experienced the following are at a higher risk than others:
- Feels pressured to abort
- Has preexisting mental health issues
- Has certain personality factors (like low self-esteem)
- Lacks social support
- Has had a previous abortion
Protecting Your Health
Abortion is a serious decision that should not be rushed into.
To best protect your health, it’s critical to have a pre-abortion consultation, where you can learn more about your unique risk factors.
Pre-abortion consultations consist of obtaining an ultrasound scan and discussing your health history with a healthcare provider, which prepares you to make an informed and well-thought-out decision.
Get Help Today
If you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy, you may be unsure what to do next.
Sometimes anxiety and fear of the unknown can feel paralyzing.
The good news is that you don’t have to navigate your pregnancy decision alone.
Chester County Connect Care is here to support you. We offer no-cost lab-quality pregnancy tests and ultrasound scans, and our caring team can answer your questions and discuss your options.
We want to empower you to make the best pregnancy decision for your health and future.
Contact us today for your confidential appointment.
Chester County Connect Care does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.