Emotions After Abortions

This chapter summarizes the current scientific evidence available about mental health and emotions after abortions. Grounding in the political efforts of the anti-abortion movement, this chapter first explores the origins of myths surrounding the relationship between mental health and abortions, then details distinctions between “mental health” and “emotions.” Conceptual frameworks for the relationship between abortions and emotions are then presented, followed by additional considerations for understanding this relationship, including hormones, the difficulty of the abortion decision, and abortion stigma and reproductive objectification. Notably, abortions are not found to cause emotional distress; rather, circumstances and factors surrounding an abortion may be associated with subsequent distress. Finally, the chapter summarizes findings related to mental health and emotions from the Turnaway Study. Recommendations for clinical practice are included at the end of this chapter.