Emotional Spectrum Costs of Abortion

There is a significant abortion cost women must consider. Women who undergo an abortion may experience powerful emotions ranging across the spectrum. Although there is no way to be certain how each individual woman will psychologically feel after their abortion, research has found that some women do experience negative emotions following their procedure.

The Emotional Spectrum Involved in Abortion

Choosing an abortion is a life-changing decision for many women. Even during the decision-making process, women can experience emotions like fear, uncertainty, shame, guilt, and depression. However, the reaction following the procedure can be much stronger for some women. Women may experience a range of negative emotional side effects after undergoing an abortion. In fact, research shows that women who have abortions have a higher risk of developing mental health problems.  

Women may experience some, all, or none of the following emotions post-abortion:

●        Depression

●        Anxiety

●        Shame

●        Guilt

●        Regret

●        Anger

Some women may choose not to address their emotions by self-medicating with drugs, alcohol or other substances. Some women may even choose to shut their emotions off by avoiding bothersome thoughts, severing their personal relationships with friends and family or engaging in denial. Along with abortion cost, other psychological issues women may face include:

●        Eating disorders

●        Insomnia or nightmares

●        Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

●        Sexual dysfunction

All women should talk with a trusted individual about their emotions after undergoing an abortion. Whether they discuss their feelings with friends and family or seek professional therapy, it is important to discuss these emotions and learn how to psychologically heal from this trauma. There are many reasons why an abortion can be a positive choice for the mother, and sudden emotional discourse should not prevent you from standing by your decision.

Care Net in Albuquerque understands that there is an emotional abortion cost that women may not fully consider. However, that does not mean that all women will feel negative psychological side effects after their procedure. In fact, many women may feel empowered, relieved, confident or safer after making the decision to end a pregnancy that carried emotional, physical and financial hardships that the woman could not risk.

For more information about post-abortion emotional risks, please contact the compassionate staff at Care Net, Albuquerque.