There has been a long debate over whether or not abortion is directly tied to poor mental health. In 2008 the American Psychological Association concluded that there wasn’t any research supporting the idea that abortion caused poor mental health. A new study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry, however, is challenging this conclusion.
This new study is a meta-analysis of 22 previous studies which examined the mental health of 877,000 women, of which 163,831 had an abortion. According to the study, “the results revealed that women who had undergone an abortion experienced an 81 per cent increased risk of mental health problems, and nearly 10 per cent of the incidence of mental health problems were shown to be directly attributable to abortion.” Having an abortion was found to increase one’s risk of experiencing the following:
- 34% more likely to develop anxiety disorders
- 37% more likely to develop depression
- 110% more likely to abuse alcohol
- 220% more likely to use marijuana
- 155% more likely to attempt suicide.
I doubt that this debate is over, but this will certainly add to the dialogue. Personally, I don’t know if these studies have correctly captured and quantified the mental health risks associated with abortion, but the anecdotal evidence I have come upon over the years tells me that there is definitely a connection between the two. I’ve read and heard the personal stories of too many abortive women to think otherwise. Abortion is emotionally and mentally taxing on women—even for those who think they did the right thing by aborting their child. And understandably so. Abortion is murder. No matter what we may think about the morality of abortion, our conscience knows it is wrong and will not let our minds or spirit rest. It will torture us daily, causing a decline in mental health. Only the forgiveness of Christ can quiet the conscience of a woman who has aborted her child, and restore her mental health.
HT: Wesley J. Smith
Thinking to Believe 
September 14, 2011 at 11:06 am
Fascinating results. I think this is not terribly unexpected, but I’m sure the pro-choice community will put a spin on it.
It’s so important for Christians (and Christian apologists!) to be familiar with pro-life arguments. We’re discussing whether or not to murder our children. It’s something we should be very versed in. The results of this study just add to the weight of the issue.
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September 14, 2011 at 11:21 am
Of course they will! And for all I know, perhaps the methodology of these studies was not sound and the results are not reliable. But there are some things we don’t need studies for to know what is true. Too many women self-confess to the way their abortions have haunted them. There’s no doubt in my mind that many women suffer psychological and emotional harm from abortion. The only real question for me is how many do, to what extent, and for how long. That’s where studies can be valuable.
And amen on the preparation part. So few are able to defend their pro-life views beyond saying “thou shalt not kill.” This is unfortunate, because the case for pro-life is so strong. There are so many good arguments to give for our position, and so many ways to expose the bad arguments for the pro-choice view.
Jason
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September 14, 2011 at 1:20 pm
I agree about the strength of the pro-life position. It’s extremely convincing. The scientific case alone is incredible, but combined with the strength of philosophical arguments…. it’s no wonder some pro-choice advocates are agreeing with us and saying it’s still okay to commit infanticide. Unfortunately, that’s the lengths to which some will go to get rid of our children.
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