women’s emotions over their lifespan as this may be a factor. The majority of the studies also fall short in being able to contact women for follow-up post-abortion immediately following and long-term to discuss how they are coping mentally post-abortion.
Being denied an abortion may be as psychologically detrimental as having an abortion according to a study performed by Biggs et al. (2016). In this study, there were women who received an abortion and some who were turned away due to being too far along in their pregnancy. Women were recruited from abortion facilities and interviewed one week after seeking an abortion and every six months after for 5 years. Women who were denied a termination of pregnancy initially had the highest levels …show more content…
While many studies have attempted to gather prior mental health history, it remains to be seen if women disclose their mental health history in its’ entirety prior to choosing to have an abortion. (Rocca et al., 2015; Major et al., 2009) In many of the studies, women dropped out of the studies or did not follow-up post-abortion. Follow-ups were also most often conducted over the phone by someone who was not associated with the research. (Biggs et al., 2016) While this may result in a higher response rate, it must be contemplated that not all women will feel comfortable addressing mental health over the phone with someone they do not know. (Quinley et.al, 2014) Mental health can be a very sensitive subject for some and revealing intimate details of such a sensitive and confidential nature may only be accurately obtained from someone who has gained the woman’s trust. Also, it should be considered that the lack of response may mean that perhaps they were not faring as well. Several of the studies also fail to show adequate questions regarding mental health when following up post-abortion. It is difficult to ascertain true results as not all prior mental illness is reported prior to an abortion and not all women follow up when part of a case …show more content…
Due to these findings, the answer of whether negative psychological effects occur after an induced abortion may be more complex than a simple yes or no answer until further, more detailed studies are completed. Though negative symptoms may only be temporary, those with a previous mental illness diagnosis should receive counseling prior to choosing and after an abortion. (Ditzhuijzen et. al.,2017; Quinley et al., 2014; Major et al, 2009) Results of all the studies that were conducted indicate that if women have support prior to and after, they will fare better psychologically than those who received no
Being denied an abortion may be as psychologically detrimental as having an abortion according to a study performed by Biggs et al. (2016). In this study, there were women who received an abortion and some who were turned away due to being too far along in their pregnancy. Women were recruited from abortion facilities and interviewed one week after seeking an abortion and every six months after for 5 years. Women who were denied a termination of pregnancy initially had the highest levels …show more content…
While many studies have attempted to gather prior mental health history, it remains to be seen if women disclose their mental health history in its’ entirety prior to choosing to have an abortion. (Rocca et al., 2015; Major et al., 2009) In many of the studies, women dropped out of the studies or did not follow-up post-abortion. Follow-ups were also most often conducted over the phone by someone who was not associated with the research. (Biggs et al., 2016) While this may result in a higher response rate, it must be contemplated that not all women will feel comfortable addressing mental health over the phone with someone they do not know. (Quinley et.al, 2014) Mental health can be a very sensitive subject for some and revealing intimate details of such a sensitive and confidential nature may only be accurately obtained from someone who has gained the woman’s trust. Also, it should be considered that the lack of response may mean that perhaps they were not faring as well. Several of the studies also fail to show adequate questions regarding mental health when following up post-abortion. It is difficult to ascertain true results as not all prior mental illness is reported prior to an abortion and not all women follow up when part of a case …show more content…
Due to these findings, the answer of whether negative psychological effects occur after an induced abortion may be more complex than a simple yes or no answer until further, more detailed studies are completed. Though negative symptoms may only be temporary, those with a previous mental illness diagnosis should receive counseling prior to choosing and after an abortion. (Ditzhuijzen et. al.,2017; Quinley et al., 2014; Major et al, 2009) Results of all the studies that were conducted indicate that if women have support prior to and after, they will fare better psychologically than those who received no