In a study conducted by Jocelyn T. Warren of Oregon State University et al., young women who have abortions are no more likely than teenagers who do not end their pregnancies to have low self-esteem or become depressed during their pregnancy or five years later. This study is available online (PDF) and will also be in the December issue of Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health. This nationwide study is the first to examine the potential outcome of depression and low self-esteem in a representative sample of teens who have induced abortions.
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Currently, 34 states (PDF) require women receive counseling before an abortion is performed. Seven states require women be warned of the possible negative psychological consequences resulting from induced abortions. The authors of the study suggest possible harm resulting from a counseling requirement:Paradoxically laws mandating that women considering abortion be advised of its psychological risks may jeopardize women’s health by adding unnecessary anxiety and undermining women’s right to informed consent.
Now that the supposed mental health risks of having an abortion have been debunked for women and teenagers, states should act to lift any requirements of sharing inaccurate information before obtaining abortion care.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Study: No Mental Health Problems in Teens who Terminate Pregnancy
Contrary to what the anti-choicers want you to think, a recent study shows that teens who decide to terminate their pregnancy are no more likely to have mental health problems than teens who do not choose abortion.
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4 comments:
I am pro choice. I will state that clearly first.
I think reasonable, non-barrier mental health counseling is appropriate for ending pregnancies. It is a big deal.
Many states require it for STD tests, as well, and it entails a conversation about the procedure, the test itself, and what one does with the results. It also involves education on STD prevention. That's public health.
Now, I don't want such counseling and education to be a tool for crazy fundies who actually have another agenda, but I think reasonable, responsible, and empowering (yes, it's still a good word) counseling is OK. The task is doing it well and doing it right.
Thanks.
It's an interesting discussion.
Broad sweeping brush strokes do not often notice small people.
Considering your link is "womenslawproject", I find that it could very well be biased.
To broadly claim that no teen or woman would be mentally harmed by an abortion is straight bunk. There are no absolutes.
@Anonymous #2:
I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and suggest that maybe you did not read this blog post in its entirety?
On what grounds are you suggesting that Women's Law Project is biased? It's name?
Also, the findings quoted do not suggest that no woman ever would be negatively impacted by abortion. It merely states:
...young women who have abortions are no more likely than teenagers who do not end their pregnancies to have low self-esteem or become depressed during their pregnancy or five years later.
So, as some women may have those mental health issues if they carry theri pregnancy to term, some women may experience the same issues if they terminate their pregnancies. But it is not necessarily more likely that women who induce abortions will experience those negative consequences.
Your comment is an easy write off.
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