Psychological Risks
Both pro-life and pro-choice advocates agree that abortion carries a certain degree of risk for psychological side effects (APA, 2007). Although psychological effects vary widely from woman to woman, especially concerning the circumstances of the abortion, it is important that women are aware that choosing abortion may lead to feelings of:
At risk women include:
(APA, 2007)
- Regret
- Anger
- Guilt
- Shame
- Loneliness or isolation
- Loss of self confidence
- Insomnia or nightmares
- Relationship issues
- Suicidal thoughts and feelings
- Eating disorders
- Depression
- Anxiety
At risk women include:
- Individuals with previous emotional or psychological issues
- Individuals who have been coerced, forced or persuaded to get an abortion
- Individuals with religious beliefs that conflict with abortion
- Individuals with moral or ethical views that conflict with abortion
- Individuals who obtain an abortion in the later stages of pregnancy
- Individuals without support from significant others or their partner
- Women obtaining an abortion for genetic or fetal abnormalities
(APA, 2007)