Abortion is a pregnancy decision that comes with risks to your mental health.
According to a study looking at the link between abortion and mental health complications, it’s clear that “at least some women do have significant mental health issues that are caused, triggered, aggravated, or complicated by their abortion experience.”
Furthermore, if you feel at all pressured into having an abortion or have preexisting mental health conditions, you are more likely to experience adverse mental health outcomes after an abortion.
This is why it’s critical to ensure you learn all you can about abortion to ensure you’re making your own choice, free from outside influence. This article will highlight the essentials you need to know about abortion and offer steps you can take to protect your mental health. But if you want to talk to someone about your options or learn more about free resources that are here to help, contact First Choice Women’s Center today to schedule a confidential appointment.
What Happens During Abortion?
Abortion happens in one of two ways: surgically or through the use of drugs (referred to as the “abortion pill”).
Medical Abortion
Abortion drugs are only FDA-approved if your pregnancy is 10 weeks gestation and under. If you take these drugs and you’re further along, you are more likely to experience a physical risk.
After taking the drugs, you will experience abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding. Some women report that the pain is unexpectedly severe. You may also witness the parts of your pregnancy passing, which can be traumatic for some women.
Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortion is done in a clinic and is often reserved for later in pregnancy. Depending on how far along you are, strong suction, scraping tools, or forceps may be used.
One of the most serious risks of surgical abortion includes uterine perforation, which is when one of the medical instruments pokes a hole in your uterus. This can result in hemorrhage and damage to the uterus, cervix, bowel, or bladder.
How Can I Protect My Mental Health?
The number one way to protect your mental health is to ensure you’re making your own pregnancy decision without feeling pressured into one decision over another.
While only you can decide what pregnancy option is best for you, asking yourself the following questions can help:
- What pregnancy option am I leaning toward and why?
- If my life circumstances were where I wanted them to be, what pregnancy option would I want to choose?
- What steps can I take to get my life where I want it to be? (Go back to school, get a higher-paying job, etc.)
- How might I feel if I choose abortion? Adoption? Parenting?
At First Choice Pregnancy Center, we’re here to walk alongside you as you explore your options–-and we offer free resources that can help you feel supported along the way. Contact us today to schedule a free, confidential appointment. You’re not alone in this. We’re here for you.