I Already Have Mental Health Problems. Could Abortion Make It Worse?
If you are already navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, or another mental health challenge, an unplanned pregnancy can feel like a lot to process. It is completely valid to ask whether abortion could affect your mental health, especially when you are already in a vulnerable place. Asking that question is not overthinking. It is an important and courageous act of self-awareness.
At Life Choices Women’s Clinic, our staff is here to walk alongside you with no-cost, confidential support in a space where your whole health, physical, emotional, and mental, truly matters.
What the Research Says
The relationship between abortion and mental health is a topic researchers continue to study, and findings vary. What is broadly agreed upon, however, is that women with pre-existing mental health conditions are among those most likely to experience emotional challenges after a pregnancy decision.
Research has found substantial empirical evidence that abortion worsens mental health outcomes for at least some women, particularly those with pre-existing mental health conditions.
A 2023 study published in the International Journal of Women’s Health followed women over 17 years and found that those who had abortions were significantly more likely to need mental health services afterward compared to women who gave birth. For women who are already managing mental health challenges, this is an important consideration when thinking through a pregnancy decision.
Because mental health is complex, there is no simple way to predict exactly how someone will feel after a pregnancy decision. However, taking time to reflect and gather information can help you feel more prepared.
Support Without Pressure
When your emotional load is already heavy, making a major decision quickly can deepen the weight you are already carrying. Giving yourself time, honest information, and a safe space to process can make a real difference in how you move forward.
At Life Choices Women’s Clinic, our staff offers no-cost, confidential counseling where you can talk openly about your concerns without judgment. We also offer limited ultrasound services and limited STD testing to help you better understand your medical situation. If you have already taken the first abortion pill and are having second thoughts, our staff can refer you to the Abortion Pill Reversal network for further support.
Healing Is Possible
Your mental health history is not a weakness. It is important information that deserves to be part of your decision-making process. You have the right to take your time, ask every question, and receive honest answers.
If you have already had an abortion and are processing difficult emotions afterward, you are not alone in that either. Life Choices Women’s Clinic also offers abortion recovery support for women navigating feelings of guilt, grief, anxiety, or depression after a past abortion experience. Healing is possible, and our staff is here to walk with you through that, too.
Reach out to schedule a no-cost appointment at Life Choices Women’s Clinic today.
Life Choices Women’s Clinic does not provide or refer for abortions.
Pregnancy Tests
If you have had unprotected sex or missed your period, you might wonder if you are pregnant. The first thing you should do is take a pregnancy test. We offer lab-quality pregnancy testing at no cost.
Ultrasounds
If you are pregnant, an ultrasound will help determine how far along you are, if the pregnancy is viable (growing), and if it’s located in the correct place. We offer limited obstetric ultrasounds at no cost.
STD Testing
When a person engages in sex or sex-like activity, there’s a chance of contracting an STD. Most people with an STD don’t have immediate symptoms. Regular testing helps prevent later physical risks. We offer no-cost and confidential STD testing to women and men.
Men MENtoring Men
Our fatherhood program, Men MENtoring Men, begins during the first medical appointment. Men MENtoring Men is the opportunity for you to meet with a male advocate to discuss your feelings about becoming a dad.
Pregnancy Tests
If you have had unprotected sex or missed your period, you might wonder if you are pregnant. The first thing you should do is take a pregnancy test. We offer lab-quality pregnancy testing at no cost.
Ultrasounds
If you are pregnant, an ultrasound will help determine how far along you are, if the pregnancy is viable (growing), and if it’s located in the correct place. We offer limited obstetric ultrasounds at no cost.
STD Testing
When a person engages in sex or sex-like activity, there’s a chance of contracting an STD. Most people with an STD don’t have immediate symptoms. Regular testing helps prevent later physical risks. We offer no-cost and confidential STD testing to women and men.
Men MENtoring Men
Our fatherhood program, Men MENtoring Men, begins during the first medical appointment. Men MENtoring Men is the opportunity for you to meet with a male advocate to discuss your feelings about becoming a dad.
