The syndrome is mainly shared among anti-abortion groups.
Moreover, the idea that people who have abortions typically experience PTSD-like symptoms is unfounded.
Lets take a look at what the research says about the mental health impacts of abortion.
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They analyzed a group of 863 individuals within four years after receiving abortion care.
Some of these people got abortions, and others did not.
The study researchers conclusion is that getting an abortion in and of itself does not trigger PSTD.
Happiness and Emotional Well-Being
Several studies have looked at the emotional impacts of abortion.
Does having an abortion make you moredepressed?
Do you typically experience regret?
What does abortion do to self-esteem?
This was consistent throughout the five-year period after the abortion.
Instead, a large proportion felt confident that their abortion was the right decision for them.
The most prevalent emotion experienced by people who got an abortion was relief.
You may feel grief, relief, depression, stress, anxiety, or feelings of strength and empowerment.
You may go through more than one emotion at once within a short period.
Your hormones also change an abortion, and your body needs time to heal.
Its important that you have support before and after your abortion.
Having a trusted friend or loved one take you to your abortion and stay with you after is invaluable.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
American Psychological Association.Position Statement on Abortion.
Abrams Z.The facts about abortion and mental health.
2022;53(6):40.
Center for Reproductive Rights.Setting the Record Straight: The Facts on Some Popular Myths About Abortion.
Guttmacher Institute.Abortion Is a Common Experience for U.S. Women, Despite Dramatic Declines in Rates.
Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health.The mental health impact of receiving vs. being denied a wanted abortion.
Biggs MA, Rowland B, McCulloch CE, et al.Does abortion increase women’s risk for post-traumatic stress?
Findings from a prospective longitudinal cohort study.
2016;6(2):e009698.
doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2015-009698
Biggs MA, Upadhyay UD, Steinberg JR, et al.Does abortion reduce self-esteem and life satisfaction?.
Quality of Life Research.
Social Science and Medicine.
2020;248:112704. doi:10.1016/j.socscimed.2019.112704
Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties.Support After a Miscarriage or Abortion.
