Are There Any Psychological Effects Following An Elective Abortion?
Elective abortion can be a difficult decision for a person, and even when it is not, all possible consequences should be considered before taking this step. There is a range of possible psychological effects, both positive and negative, that may vary from person to person.
First of all, it is clear that after going through elective abortion, most women feel a sense of relief (Kero et al., 2004). According to recent studies, their self-esteem levels are better, and anxiety levels are lower. In particular, adolescents having undergone an abortion showed significant increases in self-esteem and performed better at school (Adler et al., 2003).
However, many people experience anxiety and even depression after getting an abortion. Studies show that the rate of such occurrences is not as high as it is commonly believed (Dagg, 1991), however that risk cannot be completely eliminated. Such factors as cultural or religious environment or pre-existing psychological symptoms can affect the probability of negative response. It is important to have access to counseling and medication, should this be the case.
For some women, abortion can be extremely stressful and lead to PTSD with symptoms including, but not limited to, re-experiencing the trauma through flashbacks, nightmares and difficulty sleeping, numbness and avoidance (ADAA, 2016).
Finally, there is a risk of sexual difficulties that may last for several months or even longer after the event. A research study found that 10–20% of women reported some negative effects in their sexual relationship after an induced abortion (Bradshaw et al., 2003).
In summary, elective abortion is not currently considered a highly traumatic experience. However, there is still a risk of adverse emotional effects in some people, therefore it is necessary to provide them with easy access to counseling and psychological support.
References
Adler, N.E., Ozer, E.J., and Tschann, J. (2003) Abortion among adolescents. American Psychologist, 58 (3), 211-217.
Anxiety and Depression Association of America (2016, April) Symptoms of PTSD. Retrieved April 11, 2017, from https://www.adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/posttraumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/symptoms
Bradshaw Z, Slade P. (2003) The effects of induced abortion on emotional experiences and relationships: A critical review of the literature. Clinical Psychology Review, 23, 948.
Dagg, P.K.B. (1991) The Psychological Sequelae of Therapeutic Abortion – Denied and Completed.. American Journal of Psychiatry, 148 (5), 578-585.
Kero, A., Hogberg., U. and Lalos, A. (2004) Wellbeing and mental growth – long-term effects of legal abortion. Social Science & Medicine, 58, …
