DISQUS

steve ertelt · 1 year ago

The review failed to include three new studies all showing abortion leads to significant mental health problems for women.

Last week, Dr. Priscilla Coleman, a professor of Human Development and Family Studies at Bowling Green State University, and her colleagues published a study in the Journal of Psychiatric Research showing the link exists. http://www.lifenews.com/nat4617.html


The research team found induced abortions result in increased risks for a myriad of mental health problems ranging from anxiety to depression to substance abuse disorders.

The number of cases of mental health issues rose by as much as 17 percent in women having abortions compared to those who didn't have one and the risks of each particular mental health problem rose as much as 145% for post-abortive women.

For 12 out of 15 of the mental health outcomes examined, a decision to have an abortion resulted in an elevated risk for women.

"What is most notable in this study is that abortion contributed significant independent effects to numerous mental health problems above and beyond a variety of other traumatizing and stressful life experiences," they concluded.

Earlier this week, researchers at Otago University in New Zealand reported their findings in the British Journal of Psychiatry and found that women who have abortions have an increased risk of developing mental health problems. http://www.lifenews.com/int1008.html


The study found that women who had abortions had rates of mental health problems about 30% higher than other women. The conditions most associated with abortion included anxiety disorders and substance abuse disorders.

Abortions increased the risk of severe depression and anxiety by one-third and as many as 5.5 percent of all mental health disorders seen in New Zealand result from women having abortions.

A third study, from a team at the University of Queensland and published in the December issue of the British Journal of Psychiatry, found women who have an abortion are three times more likely to experience a drug or alcohol problem during their lifetime. http://www.lifenews.com/int1012.html

The study showed that women who had experienced an abortion were at increased risk of illicit drug and alcohol use compared with women who had never been pregnant or who gave birth.

Carri Briseno · 1 year ago

Is one the cause of the other, or the other the contributor of the one? Are women with existing mental health or substance abuse issues more likely to participate in unprotected sex and therefore more likely to experience an unwanted pregnancy and thus become more desperate for a solution than a woman with no existing mental health or substance abuse diagnoses? There are simply too many factors that may contribute to mental illness and substance abuse in woman to reduce it down to the one act of having an abortion (IMO). Just curious, what is the rate of incidence for postpartum depression?

Cheap Auto Insurance Quotes · 2 months ago

Good artickle, I like it. I just cant understand, why did they denied the post-abortion syndrome. I comed across with women who suffered from it.

Persianas · 1 year ago

Yes, the religious crowd will resort to anything to get their way. I wonder what they'd say if I presented a scientific study saying that their little book of parables is filled with contradictory statements, hypocrisy and in most cases things flatly discredited by modern science.

Yeah... they don't like *those* studies. In fact, they don't like science... how curious is it that they're championing it now?

You go girl! Nice blog.

Stacy · 1 year ago

Good artickle, I like it. I just cant understand, why did they denied the post-abortion syndrome. I comed across with women who suffered from it.

sumaiya · 1 year ago

yeah..its really true that who have aborted...they have no major relations with long-term mental issue..its all about believing what our GOD will give us is for good....then you'll see there will be no place for myths and superstitions..

skyewriter · 1 year ago

Why is it that a man is the only dissenting voice here? I cannot stand it when someone who has absolutely NO way to ever experience an unwanted pregnancy IN HIS OWN BODY feels he has the right to say anything about what WOMEN choose to do with a pregnancy. Yes, if he's the father, then ethically there is some input and decision-making credence.

However, from an purely voyeuristic standpoint-- BUTT OUT!

The BoBo · 1 year ago

Is it possible that perhaps SHE is the one with the agenda? I just ran an EBSCO search and came up 1,630 different studies related to abortion, mental health and depression. Since there were so many of them - I'll just list a few here from peer reviewed journals that show that are are associations between abortions and depression:

Abortion in young women and subsequent mental health.Fergusson, David M.; Horwood, L. John; Ridder, Elizabeth M.. Journal of Child Psychology & Psychiatry, Jan2006, Vol. 47 Issue 1, p16-24,

State-funded abortion versus deliveries: A comparison of outpatient mental health claims over 4 years.Preview Coleman, Priscilla K.; Reardon, David C.; Rue, Vincent M.; Cougle, Jesse; American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, Vol 72(1), Jan 2002. pp. 141-152.

The psychology of abortion: A review and suggestions for future research.Preview By: Coleman, Priscilla K; Reardon, David C.; Strahan, Thomas; Cougle, Jesse R.. Psychology & Health, Apr2005, Vol. 20 Issue 2, p237-271, 35p

Sounds to me like they have an agenda considering there are literally hundreds of studies that confirm an association between depression and abortion. If these aren't enough for you..let me know...I'll give you many more. These were longitudinal studies - so - you can't say they didn't follow them long enough. There are indeed long-term psychological effects resulting from abortion.

skyewriter · 1 year ago

As a Ph.D. candidate I applaud you, BoBo, for your prowess with the library search. I, too, am familiar with EBSCO. Well done.
I think the key word in the studies you cited was the diaphanous use of the word "may". There "may" be a relationship characterized as post-abortion depression. Some studies cite is low-self esteem (or mental problems) prior to the abortion. Kind of skews the results, huh? One thing you might also note are the number of various foreign countries within which these studies were conducted (Spain, Norway, Czech Republic, etc.). I'm not sure their empirical conclusions can be so easily super-imposed on the cultural milieu of the US.

I think Carri said it best; there are a galaxy of factors that determine someone's mental well-being.

To blame the act of abortion on the psychological breakdown of a woman is short-sighted and small-minded.

Again, there are lots of studies that tie giving birth to post-partum depression. That does not mean that EVERY woman who has a baby is doomed to the diagnosis. Similarly, not every woman who has an abortion is going to be depressed about it, no matter how stridently righteous religio-crats try to tell them they are bad, bad, people.

emily · 1 year ago

I had a termination just over a year ago and I have been damaged way moreso by my junkie ex-boyfriend who wanted me to keep it. I cannot imagine what my life would be like now if I had had the child and was still forced to put up with the abuse and torment from its father. The police were completly unhelpful in the whole issue and it pains me to think that there is women having to put up with a life involving abuse due to their lack of choices.

I am originally from Ireland and it is illegal there, and so the price to go to a different country to recieve the treatment is obsurd. and so it then becomes a class issue. as i am sure if a Catholic politicans daughter got knocked up out of wedlock and too young I am sure she would be shipped off to Liverpool and staying in a fancy hotel out of tax payers money to have an abortion. while that poor girl in school living in a high rise flat in Dublin has no choice but to drop out of school and live off benefits until the child can go work itself.

I tell you one thing if I was the latter girl I would be suffering from mental health problems, but if I was the first girl I would be laughing my way to trinity college or oxford university or harvard because daddy can open up opportunities that not all daddies can provide.

It is a horrible world we live in.
I think trying to understand the minds of those who have political and economic power would be enough to give anyone long term mental health problems.

The BoBo · 1 year ago

Skyewriter - actually, I purposely chose to stay away from those foreign studies and only included the American studies. Also, I was not implying that ALL abortions result in mental health issues including depression. The fact is that Holly's post is attempting to state there is NO mental health issues associated with abortion and the person she cites tries to state there are no available studies when indeed there have been hundreds of studies meaning plenty of available data. The fact is, there are mental health consequences and it would be foolish to say there aren't. The studies I cited did not use the word "may" except in the opening of the abstracts. The conclusions were there was a significant association that does show that some women will experience depression and other mental health issues post-abortion.

While I am personally opposed to abortion - I am at least reasonable enough to realize there are laws on the books that allow it and I personally am not going to attempt to convince someone otherwise. But, in the same token, I like to believe I am a proponent for providing a voice to the unborn - someone needs to be there for them.

Sure, it may be a woman's body and her right to choose - but - what about the child inside of her? Shouldn't there be somebody to advocate on behalf of that living child?

And...I'm surprised that you know I'm a Ph.D. candidate. I guess you've actually creeped through my blog in the past then! :)

To answer the question for Stacy - PAS still has not been proven as a valid condition yet. The details of PAS encompass a lot more than what has actually been documented as proven post-abortion conditions. PAS is a "catchall" right now and is still being studied. But, there are other proven conditions such as depression. Depression is but one condition in the PAS catchall.

skyewriter · 1 year ago

Emily, I am so sorry for your ordeal and hope that things will get better soon. Are there groups you can contact for support close to home? I know Ireland has strict laws about abortion and the groups might be underground. I hope you don't feel so alone; I'm glad you posted here.

The Bobo: thank you for being one of the MOST civilized pro-lifers I have ever come across. And, that's saying a lot b/c I have come across a lot of them. I was referring to myself as the Ph.D. candidate, but it's a funny coincidence that you are also (good luck to you if you are on the job market, too). Academics are so polite in unknown company, huh? Nice to have crossed paths (and I will check out your blog and try to be civil when I disagree with you :)

The BoBo · 1 year ago

That is indeed funny. I'm working on my Ph.D. in Public Health specializing in Epidemiology. I've already done a few reports on the abortion issue - but - in keeping academically unbiased - I did report on both sides of the issue. I know...what's a conservative doing in a predominantly liberal field? ;) Actually, its the Epi side that really interests me.

Rich · 1 year ago

I'll have to remember this one. I end up getting into these debates every month or so with angry Christians, so this should be quite useful.

Jehnny · 1 year ago

Have to agree with the commend about religious crowd. They will make people to believe anything, so they don't commit sins. Imagine if abortion would be banned, like in some Asian countries... I can't even imagine.

Zyr · 1 year ago

Good artickle, I like it. I just cant understand, why did they denied the post-abortion syndrome. I comed across with women who suffered from it.

Ali · 1 year ago

great entry thanks;)

noni benefits · 11 months ago

Good information Abortions is not related to Long-Term Mental Health Issues.

Thanks

Acai Berry · 11 months ago

There are so many issues on this one I don't even want to start.

Shaw · 10 months ago

In my personal opinion i believe having multiple abortions can have lots of problems mentally as physically , also depends upon the individual.

Curt · 10 months ago

nice post. i also used to think like this Women having Abortions suffer through long term mental health issues. but reading this article my thought proved to be wrong. specially the research study show that its good. now i believe that my thought was completely wrong. thanks for this information

Lyndsey · 10 months ago

This blog is amazing and very useful for women who are in misconception that having abortions can lead to health issues which is not true ,thanks for sharing .

workout plans · 7 months ago

Great post. There are a lot of women who will benefit from your post. Thanks for sharing your views.

Kosta Tabakakis · 7 months ago

This has certainly been interesting reading. If you have actually taken the time to read the latest findings from the three studies mentioned above, particularly their methodology, then it is patently obvious that there is an elevated risk of developing psychiactric disorders after having an abortion for some women.

Acai Berry · 5 months ago

i believe that my thought was completely wrong. thanks for this information

Acai · 3 months ago

I think there is so much too this subject that you cant cover it all in one article. Nice job though!

Acai Berry · 3 months ago

I think there is so much too this subject that you cant cover it all in one article. Nice job though!

Acer Vijay · 3 months ago

Good to know its just a myth.

Resveratrol · 3 months ago

I just cant understand, why did they denied the post-abortion syndrome. I comed across with women who suffered from it.

Teeth Whitening · 3 months ago

specially the research study show that its good. now i believe that my thought was completely wrong. thanks for this information..

dietpillreviews · 2 months ago

I'm pregnant right now and this is really helpful. Thanks for sharing such a great article.

vijy · 1 month ago

Whether it affects mental health or not, abortions should be avoided.