Abortion Facts

Abortion Puts the Mind in Danger

Induced abortion presents many physical dangers, such as infection, anesthesia overdose, and pelvic inflammatory disease. All these are health risks that are associated with abortion. But beyond the physical dangers are the dangers that affect the mind of the woman who underwent induced abortion. Unlike physical dangers, the mental dangers are more complex and trickier to deal with.

Abortion disrupts the whole process of pregnancy. It goes against nature. And it will have adverse effects on the psychology of the woman. Some of the known adverse effects of abortion are relationship problems, depression, substance abuse, suicidal thoughts, and post abortion syndrome.

Relationship problems are heightened after an abortion. The couple may not have agreed completely about the abortion and one party will be resentful. Or the woman was pressured to have the abortion which she later regretted and blamed her partner. If the woman who had abortion is not in a relationship, she will find it hard to form intimate ones in the future. Having had an abortion is not a fact that is easily confessed to a prospective partner.

Depression is an emotion which is associated with failed events, such as the death of a loved one. Normally, people bounce back from a period of depression and get on with their lives. But for women, who had an abortion, the depression lasts longer.

The health professionals call it long-term clinical depression. This depression is accompanied by guilt, which comes from the possibility that the abortion killed a growing child. The danger of depression is that it can lead to substance abuse and suicidal thoughts.

Substance abuse or the abuse of alcohol and/or drugs has been found to be predominant among women who had an abortion. The same dangerous feelings of guilt and shame drive the women to seek the oblivion that alcohol and drugs offer. Some psychologists believe that the escapist attitude that led to abortion will also lead to substance abuse.

Suicidal thoughts beset the mind of the woman who had an abortion. The feelings of inadequacy and anxiety do not leave a woman who had abortions. A study found that women who had abortions are 6 times more likely to attempt suicide than other women. And there are cases when women commit suicide right after the abortion.

Some women seek the help of a psychiatrist. But others simply drench themselves in an ocean of guilt and depression that they eventually commit suicide. Interestingly, women who decided to go through their pregnancy and give birth have an easier time dealing with abortion and suicidal thoughts. Their desire to live is increased by the presence of the baby.

The Post Abortion Syndrome (PAS) is characterized by early feelings of freedom and relief. After all, the abortion got rid of a potentially huge problem. But this mood does not last long. There will be feelings of doubt and then followed by depression. Years later, the abortion will still have strong dangerous effects on the mind such as unexplained feelings of anger and grief.

Abortion is not an easy decision to make. With these psychological effects, a woman must consider the possible dangers that abortion will have on her mind and well being.