How Will Abortion Affect Me Mentally?
Are you facing an unexpected pregnancy and considering abortion? If so, you may have heard about the physical risks of abortion—but did you know that abortion poses risks to your mental health as well?
Before seeking an abortion, it’s essential to understand how this option might affect you mentally. Read on to learn more. Or, if you want to talk to someone in person, contact First Choice Pregnancy Services to schedule a free, confidential appointment.
Mental Health Risks of Abortion
It’s important to note that every woman will respond to abortion differently, depending on her beliefs, experience, and life situation. However, many women face mental health struggles following an abortion days, months, or even years later.
In fact, recent data backs up this statistic. According to a study that looked at a group of women who had an abortion, 81% were at an increased risk of adverse mental health effects, including but not limited to substance abuse, depression, and anxiety.
Furthermore, your chance of experiencing a mental health risk increases if you feel pressured into having an abortion. According to another study by the Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons, roughly 75% of women who had an abortion after feeling pressured experienced:
- Guilt
- Shame
- Regret
- Feelings of self-hatred and worthlessness
- Drug or alcohol addiction
- Low self-esteem
- Anxiety
- Thoughts of suicide
How to Protect Your Mental Health
If you’re considering an abortion, it’s critical not to rush into this decision. Instead, take the time to speak with a trusted friend or family member, healthcare professional, and/or counselor about how abortion might affect you mentally. While doing so, consider whether you’re feeling pressured into an abortion and how you feel about it morally.
At First Choice—we’re also here to listen and help you learn more about abortion and your other options. Contact us today to learn about all the ways we’re here to help.
Abortion Pill Reversal
If you have changed your mind after beginning a medical abortion, it may not be too late to save your pregnancy. The abortion pill is a two-step process, and there is a possibility of reversing the effects after step one. Learn about abortion pill reversal and act quickly!
Pregnancy Testing
Even if you have taken a home pregnancy test, be confident with the results. Get a second opinion with a high-sensitivity test from us. Let our medical team accurately administer one of our lab-quality pregnancy tests so you get the correct answer you need.
Pre-Abortion Screening
You may not need an abortion. Approximately 1 in 4 pregnancies end naturally because of miscarriage. Ultrasound exists to alert you to a miscarriage or a dangerous ectopic pregnancy. Both require a visit to a healthcare provider not an abortion provider. Contact us to schedule your free pre-abortion screening.
Ultrasounds
After a positive pregnancy test result, your next step is a free diagnostic ultrasound. An ultrasound exam can confirm viability and determine how far along you are in your pregnancy. You need to know both if you are choosing abortion. Make us your First Choice.
Abortion Pill Reversal
If you have changed your mind after beginning a medical abortion, it may not be too late to save your pregnancy. The abortion pill is a two-step process, and there is a possibility of reversing the effects after step one. Learn about abortion pill reversal and act quickly!
Pregnancy Testing
Even if you have taken a home pregnancy test, be confident with the results. Get a second opinion with a high-sensitivity test from us. Let our medical team accurately administer one of our lab-quality pregnancy tests so you get the correct answer you need.
Pre-Abortion Screening
You may not need an abortion. Approximately 1 in 4 pregnancies end naturally because of miscarriage. Ultrasound exists to alert you to a miscarriage or a dangerous ectopic pregnancy. Both require a visit to a healthcare provider not an abortion provider. Contact us to schedule your free pre-abortion screening.
Ultrasounds
After a positive pregnancy test result, your next step is a free diagnostic ultrasound. An ultrasound exam can confirm viability and determine how far along you are in your pregnancy. You need to know both if you are choosing abortion. Make us your First Choice.
