Abortion and Mental Health: What You Need to Know
If you are considering terminating your pregnancy, it’s essential to research the potential impact an abortion may have on your mental health.
While every woman’s reaction and post-abortive emotional journey is unique, multiple studies show that the mental health element after abortion is worth consideration.
At Crystal Women’s Clinic, we offer free consultations where you can ask questions, share concerns, and learn more about your options in a compassionate, judgment-free environment.
What is the Connection Between Mental Health and Abortion?
Often, women do not fully explore the impact on mental health when considering the procedure.
According to the National Library of Medicine, “Both sides agree that… abortion is consistently associated with elevated rates of mental illness compared to women without a history of abortion.”
What Do Some Women Experience After Abortion?
As a medical procedure, abortion can sometimes have psychological effects on women in addition to physical effects.
A long-term study by researcher David Fergusson found that women who had abortions were more likely to experience anxiety, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts afterward.
Another study also showed that over 14% of American women developed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after having an abortion.
Studies like these highlight the need to thoughtfully consider the potential impact on mental health when choosing whether to have an abortion.
Pregnancy Screening Before Considering Abortion
At Crystal Women’s Clinic, we offer free support services to women, primarily pregnancy testing and ultrasounds.
An ultrasound is a vital step when considering an abortion because it can reveal critical details about your pregnancy. The ultrasound will show how far along you are, which is required to know the type of abortion procedure you are eligible for. It may also indicate if the pregnancy is located outside the uterus, requiring urgent medical attention for an ectopic pregnancy.
An ultrasound can detect a viable heartbeat. Up to 26% of pregnancies end in miscarriage, so you’ll first need to determine if your pregnancy is eligible for an abortion based on its viability.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
Pregnancy Testing
A pregnancy test determines whether you are pregnant by detecting the presence of hCG, the hormone associated with pregnancy. You will give a urine sample during your appointment, and then one of our nurses will administer the test. Testing only takes a few minutes, and you will have your result during your appointment.
Ultrasounds
Determine what choices you have with an ultrasound. An ultrasound may alert you to any complications. It is a necessary step of the pregnancy confirmation process, as it’s the only way to confirm three aspects of your pregnancy. Get a free ultrasound with us today.
Pregnancy Testing
A pregnancy test determines whether you are pregnant by detecting the presence of hCG, the hormone associated with pregnancy. You will give a urine sample during your appointment, and then one of our nurses will administer the test. Testing only takes a few minutes, and you will have your result during your appointment.
Ultrasounds
Determine what choices you have with an ultrasound. An ultrasound may alert you to any complications. It is a necessary step of the pregnancy confirmation process, as it’s the only way to confirm three aspects of your pregnancy. Get a free ultrasound with us today.
