In: Nursing
how does abortion affect our well-being physically and mentally? and how does it affect our education?
A small proportion of girls develop post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD) following an abortion. This may be related to
cultural factors. More recent studies have confirmed an elevated
risk of PTSD after abortion, which weakened but
persisted after controlling for confounders. In one of these
studies, abortions later in pregnancy were associated
with higher PTSD scores, and in a separate study, PTSD symptoms
remained elevated after 3 years. The incidence of first psychiatric
contact for the neurotic, stress-related, or somatoform disorder
was elevated 2-3 months after an abortion. In a French study
comparing surgical versus medical abortion, PTSD scores weren't
only high at 6 weeks after the abortion, but higher within the
medical abortion group, albeit these women had less advanced
pregnancies. Patients with advanced pregnancies, a history of
previous traumas, mental health problems, and adverse psychosocial
profiles should be considered as high risk for developing PTS
[posttraumatic stress] and PTSD following the reproductive loss.”
The risk of PTS and PTSD in this review were considered alongside
other reproductive losses like miscarriage, stillbirth, death,
perinatal death, and failed IVF.
The impact of abortion on women’s psychological state during a subsequent pregnancy and located an association with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance abuse. Pregnancy could also be a very vulnerable time for a few women who may experience difficult thoughts and emotions a few past pregnancies that led to an abortion.
We can’t mention girls’ and women’s health, well-being and rights without talking about their reproductive health, which includes abortion. Abortion stigma allows myths about abortion to flourish, and may cause people feeling ashamed or harassed for seeking or providing abortion. In order to ensure people can access safe abortion, free from discrimination, we'd like to supply factual information about health and therefore the law, but also create a secure space to discuss a crucial issue which affects many people round the world.