Facing an unplanned pregnancy can be stressful for anyone. If you are already managing existing mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or a mood disorder, the decision process may feel even more overwhelming. You are rightly asking: Could abortion negatively impact my current mental health?
At Stillwater Life Services, we provide a safe and confidential space for you to explore this question and your feelings. Schedule a free appointment to receive supportive, factual counseling.
What Does Research Say About Abortion and Mental Health?
The relationship between abortion and long-term mental health is complex, and outcomes vary widely from person to person. A 2025 longitudinal study looked at over 28,000 abortions and 1.2 million births and found higher rates of mental-health–related hospitalizations among women who had abortions compared to those who delivered, particularly for psychiatric disorders, substance-use disorders, and suicide attempts. However, the study does not conclude that abortion itself causes these outcomes; instead, it suggests that pre-existing mental health conditions and personal circumstances strongly influence post-abortion emotional well-being.
What Influences Emotional Outcomes?
Mental health after abortion isn’t determined solely by the procedure itself. Several factors may influence how someone feels afterward:
- Pre-existing mental health conditions or prior trauma.
- Level of social support and personal relationships.
- The degree of certainty or ambivalence about the decision.
- Whether the abortion was wanted or coerced, and the surrounding circumstances.
Due to these variables, emotional reactions vary significantly.
Seek Professional, Unbiased Support
If you’re considering abortion and already have mental health concerns, it’s wise to talk with both your mental health provider and a trusted medical professional. Stillwater Life Services offers confidential, non-judgmental counseling, free pregnancy testing, and limited ultrasound so you can get clear medical information and reflect on what feels right for you.
Prioritize Your Well-Being
Your mental health matters. It’s okay to take time, ask questions, and consider all your options, abortion, parenting, or adoption, with support and clarity. At Stillwater Life Services, we respect your journey and are here to walk with you at your own pace.
Contact Stillwater Life Services today to access free, supportive counseling and medical information.
Stillwater Life Services does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.