Abortion comes with risks to your mental health, and you’re more likely to experience a mental health risk if you’ve faced previous trauma.

Read on to learn more about how abortion might affect you mentally and how to protect your mental health. Or, if you want to talk to someone about abortion and your other pregnancy options, contact Stillwater Life Services to connect with one of our caring team members.

Mental Health Risks of Abortion

Research looking into the mental health effects of abortion has found a link between post-traumatic stress disorder and abortion.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that is brought on by a distressing event, and according to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of PTSD include “flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event.”

After an abortion, you’re also more at risk for increased stress responses and a decreased ability to cope with stress, leading to higher anxiety levels.

Furthermore, according to the study, you’re more at risk for experiencing PTSD after an abortion if you’ve endured previous trauma.

How to Protect Your Mental Health

No matter your pregnancy decision, it’s essential to ensure that you’re making your own choice without feeling pressured by outside influences.

While your pregnancy choice is yours, we’re here to help. The best way to make an informed decision is to learn all you can about your options, which include parenting, making an adoption plan, and abortion—and at Stillwater Life Services, we offer free, medically accurate information about your choices.

Along with providing information about your options, we want you to ask questions in a supportive, non-judgmental environment.

You’re Not Alone

Facing an unplanned pregnancy can feel overwhelming, especially as you consider your options. But you’re not alone in this. At Stillwater Life Services, we’re here for you. We provide

free pregnancy resources, services, and information because we believe that you deserve to be informed and empowered to make the best possible pregnancy decision. Contact us today.