Can abortion affect mental health? The many conversations about abortion swirling around online, at school, and in the news can feel overwhelming. So much of the focus is on laws or physical health, but mental and emotional health matter, too. Whether the topic of abortion affects you personally or someone you care about, having clear information can help you better understand what many people experience. Your mental health matters, because it affects many aspects of your everyday life.
Emotional Reactions Aren’t One-Size-Fits-All
There isn’t a single emotional response to abortion that applies to everyone. Some people report feeling relief, especially if the pregnancy felt unmanageable or stressful. Others describe difficult emotions that show up soon after or much later. According to the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists (AAPLOG), some individuals experience one or more increased negative emotions or struggles after an abortion, including:
- anxiety
- sadness
- depression
- substance use
- feelings of grief or regret
- suicidal ideation
These reactions don’t happen to everyone, and they don’t mean something is “wrong” with you if they do. Emotional responses are shaped by many factors, including personality, values, support systems, and life circumstances.
Why Teens and Young Adults May Feel This Differently
Your teen and young adult years are a time of rapid emotional and psychological development. You may still be learning how to cope with intense stress, loss, or complex decisions. The American Psychological Association notes that certain factors can increase mental health challenges for women who have an abortion, such as:
- feeling pressured into an abortion
- lacking emotional support
- already struggling with mental health challenges
The National Institute of Health notes that abortion can be a significant emotional stressor for some people, especially when it conflicts with personal beliefs or happens during an already difficult season of life. They point to research showing associations between abortion and higher rates of mental illness and highlight a number of risk factors that can contribute to this increase.
When Feelings Show Up Later
One thing that surprises many people is that emotional reactions don’t always happen right away. You might feel “fine” at first and then notice sadness, numbness, anger, or anxiety months or even years later. This can happen because people sometimes push emotions aside to cope in the moment.
Common signs of emotional distress can include trouble sleeping, feeling detached, persistent guilt, mood swings, or avoiding reminders of the experience. These reactions are more common than people often realize, even though they aren’t talked about much.
You Deserve Support, Not Silence
Mental health is personal, and experiences around pregnancy decisions are complex. If you are facing a pregnancy decision, you deserve honesty, patience, and personalized care. In addition to understanding all your pregnancy options, it’s critical to learn about the possible short- and long-term emotional and mental impacts abortion can bring. Although you may be considering abortion because it feels like the quickest choice, there can be major long-term effects.
If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally after an abortion, compassionate support matters. Talking with a counselor or trusted adult can help you process complicated feelings without judgment. It’s important to recognize that these emotions are valid and that seeking support is a crucial step towards healing.
Your Next Step
Whether you’re considering abortion and want to better understand the potential mental and emotional effects that may bring, or you’re struggling with your feelings after having or being affected by an abortion, Hope’s Pathway Chatham is here to help. Chat with a nurse (available 24/7) or schedule an appointment to speak to one of our trained advocates who will listen confidentially.
Hope’s Pathway Chatham offers free and confidential support to help you confirm your pregnancy and explore all your pregnancy options. Our services are always confidential, always judgment-free, and always at no cost to you. Call, text, or schedule your free appointment online.
Sources:
American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists (AAPLOG) (https://aaplog.org/induced-abortion-and-adverse-mental-health-effects/)
American Psychological Association (https://www.apa.org/pi/women/programs/abortion/mental-health.pdf)
Pro-Life Health Alliance (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6207970/)