Could Abortion Negatively Affect My Mental Health?

Could abortion negatively affect my mental health?

Could Abortion Negatively Affect My Mental Health?

Caring for your mental health is essential to living a balanced and fulfilling life. It shapes how you cope with challenges, connect with others, and make decisions.  If you’re unexpectedly pregnant and considering abortion—or if you’ve already experienced one—it’s essential to understand how abortion could impact your mental health.

At Lighthouse Pregnancy Resource Center, we are here to provide care and support no matter where you are. Whether you’re pregnant or have gone through an abortion, you don’t have to face it alone—we’re here for you.

The Potential Mental Health Effects of Abortion

For some women, the abortion experience directly contributes to mental health challenges. Research shows that women who have felt pressured into an abortion are particularly vulnerable. A study found that nearly 75% of women who had an abortion felt at least subtly pressured into their decision.

Additional factors that may increase the risk of negative mental health outcomes include:

  • A history of mental health disorders
  • Lack of a supportive network to help process the experience
  • A strong desire to have children, either now or in the future

What Are the Emotional Impacts?

The mental health effects of abortion can vary widely, from mild emotional shifts to more severe and lasting impacts. Women may experience:

  • Grief
  • Sadness
  • Feelings of loss
  • Anxiety
  • Depression

One study revealed that women reported higher rates of depression and negative emotions even two years after their abortion compared to their initial reactions one month afterward. These findings suggest that mental health challenges related to abortion may take time to surface and can persist long-term.

Support and Healing Are Available

At Lighthouse, our post-abortion recovery team is here to help. We offer both individual and group support options, providing a safe and confidential space for you to process your emotions and find healing.

If you are currently facing an unexpected pregnancy, we also offer no-cost pregnancy testing and ultrasounds to provide essential information about your pregnancy and options.

Contact us to schedule a confidential appointment today and begin your path toward clarity. You can also text us at (973) 874-1184. Find support with us.

All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.