Sat, 02 Jul 22 07:03:25 +0000

According to experts, the myths about abortion and women's mental health are widespread.

(CNN)This is unfounded Repeated many times, according to message experts increase. Abortion can damage women's mental health, perhaps for years.

"There is a lot of misinformation and a lot of myths about abortion. Abortion leads to material abuse, depression and suicidal ideation. Abortion is bad for your health. All women will regret it. " Brenda Major, a social psychologist and a prominent emeritus professor of psychology and brain science at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

In fact, decades of research have shown that "the majority of women feel that they have made the right choice and have no regrets,"2008 American Psychology. The major who led the task of the society said. She forcesto explore the science of abortion and mental health.

APA reviews conclude that women who have an abortion early in pregnancy are less likely to have mental health problems than women who continue to have an unplanned pregnancy. In a large, long-term study called the

Turnaway Study, nearly 1,000 women in 21 states who wanted to have an abortion and women who wanted to have an abortion but were rejected. Tracked mental health. Abortion between 2008 and 2010.

We interviewed women every 6 months for the next 5 years. At the end of that time, 99% of women who had an abortion believed they had made the right decision-in fact, relief was a striking feeling,one analysis

{31. } Women who have had an abortion have the same or lower levels of depression and anxiety than women who refused to abort, and studies showthat post-traumatic stress is higher than that of pregnant women.

Studies also found that there was no difference in mental health outcomes between the first trimester of pregnancy and late pregnancy. Did.

Source of False Information

False information about abortion can be a friend or family member, an article or study read online, or an abortion mandated by. Several states were set up during the Roe v. Wade incident, which can occur during a previous counseling session, experts told CNN.

Of the 33 states that required patients to receive counseling prior to an abortion, eight routinely included the possibility of negative psychological reactions as part of the conversation. According to, a non-profit study, the Guttmacher Institute, and a policy organization focused on sexual and reproductive rights around the world.

"In some states, women were said to be at high risk of depression, suicidal ideation, and post-traumatic stress disorders because they suffer from depression," said Associate Julia. Steinberg says. Professor of Family Science, Faculty of Public Health, University of Maryland.

"Abortion does not cause depression, does not cause suicide (or) suicidal ideation, does not cause substance use, does not cause anxiety disorders," said Steinberg, who studied the effects on mental health. rice field. Abortion for years.

In fact, the best predictor of failure after an abortion was "previous history of mental health problems," Major said. "The best predictor of post-abortion substance use was if you were already a substance abuser, and the best predictor of post-abortion depression was whether you were depressed before the abortion.

False information about abortion also comes from studies published in journals that conclude that abortion causes mental health problems, experts say.

"The surveys seem to be controversial, but what is really happening is that these surveys are very inadequate," Steinberg said. increase. "They are not methodologically rigorous and do not adhere to scientific principles."

The 2008 APA Task Force found a study of many studies that discovered post-abortion mental health concerns. Announced a bitter criticism of the quality of the. Studies often have lost control over factors such as rape, sexual violence, partner violence, or a history of women's previous mental illness or substance abuse.

"We have reviewed all the legitimate studies done so far on this topic," said Major. "The methodological flaws in so many studies cited as harming women's mental health as a result of abortion were terrible."

later2018 National Academy A review of of Sciences, Engineering and Medicineanalyzed studies on the effects of abortion on future fertility and pregnancy outcomes, breast cancer risk, mental health disorders, and premature death.

More than half of all abortions in the United States are done by a combination of two drugs increase.

"Most of the published literature on these topics does not meet the scientific standards of rigorous and unbiased research"Report The book concludes. "Even with abortion, secondary infertility, pregnancy-related hypertension disorders, abnormal placental formation (D&E after abortion), preterm birth, breast cancer, or psychiatric disorders (depression, anxiety, and PTSD)

However, this belief that abortion harms a woman's mental and physical health is "a waiting period law, a requirement for two trips (a woman must return twice), And used to justify giving women inaccurate information about drug-induced abortion. "Steinberg said.

Rejected abortion

The turnaway study also looked at the short-term and long-term effects of refusal to abortion.The results show that turned-back women may experience significant anxiety and stress. Showed high.

"In my research, the challenge of getting an abortion-must find a place, travel, and disclose it to those who do not want it. That means-increased symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. "

"And when the abortion is denied, those symptoms get even higher, and over time, they disappear," said Briggs, an associate professor at UCSF. ..

Womendenied abortionBecause childbirth is much more dangerous than abortion, it was much more likely to experience physical health problems during childbirth. Briggs said. Two women who participated in the study died during childbirth.

According to a 2012 study, the risk of death from childbirth is about 14 times higher than the risk of abortion.

Five years later, in this study, women denied abortion "live in poverty and suffer financial difficulties such as bankruptcy, debt, and challenges to meet basic living needs." It's much more likely. "

Briggs said women who turned their backs were also likely to be detained by violent and abusive partners and in chronic health. "They also lowered their desires (for the future) and they were unlikely to achieve them," she added.

If a woman who refuses an abortion has an existing child under the age of 5, these children are less likely to reach development milestones and are in poverty. You are more likely to live inside and less likely to develop a bond with your mother. Mother, research found.

Now that the Roe v. Wade case has been overturned, will these consequences affect more women?

"I'm completely overwhelmed by my worries," Briggs said. "I'm worried that people may get the care they need. Some people have to overcome huge amounts of obstacles to access care.

" Others will be able to safely self-manage abortions by accessing drug abortion drugs online. According to the Guttmacher Institute, more than half of abortions in the United Statesbefore the Supreme Court was revoked. It was due to two prescription medications.

"Then you could use other unsafe methods to self-manage your pregnancy or have an abortion in a situation that seems not ideal for you. Some women are worried that they may have an abortion, "Briggs said. 127}