The Emotional Impact of Abortion
What to Know Before Making a Decision
If you are considering abortion, you are likely carrying a mix of thoughts and emotions. Some people feel overwhelmed, conflicted, scared, or unsure. Others may feel relief at the idea of ending a pregnancy, while also experiencing sadness or loss. Many feel several of these emotions at the same time.
There is no single right way to feel, but it is important to understand that abortion can have emotional and mental health effects for some women. Having honest information ahead of time can help you make a decision that aligns with your values, your circumstances, and your long-term well-being.
Emotional responses vary widely
Emotional experiences after abortion do not follow a predictable timeline. Some people feel mostly okay at first and struggle later. Others feel immediate distress that gradually eases. Some notice waves of emotion that come and go over time.
While many women do not develop a mental health disorder after abortion, some experience clinically significant struggles such as depression or anxiety. Others describe emotions like grief, regret, anger, or a sense of loss, even if they also feel relief.
There is no single emotional outcome. Each person’s experience is unique.
What large studies suggest about mental health
Researchers have spent decades trying to understand how abortion may affect mental and emotional health. Several large studies suggest that women who have had abortions experience higher rates of certain mental health concerns compared to women who carry pregnancies to term.
A 2024 review of many studies found that abortion was associated with higher chances of depression and anxiety. The authors also reported links between abortion and post-traumatic stress symptoms and substance use disorders (Bodunde et al., 2024; Littell et al., 2024).
One of the largest recent studies followed more than 1.2 million pregnancies in Canada for up to 17 years. Women who had induced abortions were more likely to be hospitalized later for psychiatric disorders, substance use disorders, and suicide attempts than women who had live births or stillbirths (Auger et al., 2025).
The risk was highest in the first five years after abortion and gradually decreased over time. Even so, the researchers concluded that abortion was associated with a higher long-term risk of serious mental health–related hospitalizations.
Another large analysis combining data from many earlier studies found that women with a history of abortion had a higher overall risk of mental health problems compared to women who had not had abortions (Coleman, 2011).
Together, these findings suggest that emotional and mental health effects are possible and worth considering when making a decision.
Why findings differ across studies
You may hear very different claims about abortion and mental health, which can feel confusing.
One reason research findings vary is that mental health is influenced by many factors. Research indicates that women who seek abortions tend to have higher rates of preexisting mental illness than women who carry pregnancies to term. These prior mental health challenges are known to strongly influence emotional outcomes after major life events, including abortion.
Some researchers believe that higher rates of emotional and mental health difficulties seen after abortion are largely explained by these prior factors. Others point out that even when studies adjust for pre-existing mental health and social risk factors, an association with later mental health problems is still found.
Another important issue is how studies choose comparison groups. Some compare women who had abortions to women who were never pregnant, while others compare them to women who carried unintended pregnancies to term. These different approaches can lead to different conclusions.
What most researchers agree on is this: emotional responses to abortion vary from person to person. Some women experience little long-term distress, while others experience significant and lasting emotional pain.
Certain factors may increase emotional risk
While anyone can experience emotional distress after abortion, research suggests higher risk among:
- Those with a history of mental health conditions
- Younger individuals, especially under age 25
- Those who felt pressured or coerced into abortion
- Those who describe their abortion as unwanted or conflicting with their values
- Those with limited emotional or social support
A growing body of research indicates that abortions described as unwanted or inconsistent with personal beliefs are more strongly associated with negative emotional outcomes than abortions described as clearly wanted (Reardon et al., 2023).
What this means if you’re considering abortion
This information is meant to help you make a decision with as much information as possible.
If you are considering abortion, it may be helpful to pause and reflect:
- How do I truly feel about this pregnancy?
- Am I feeling pressured by anyone?
- What kind of support do I have right now?
- How do I typically cope with stress and emotional pain?
Talking with a trained, compassionate professional can help you explore these questions in a safe and nonjudgmental environment.
You deserve time, information, and support
You deserve accurate information about all of your options, including parenting, adoption, and abortion. You also deserve emotional support while you decide.
If you would like a free, confidential consultation and ultrasound, consider scheduling an appointment with Pregnancy Help Clinic. A visit can give you more information about your pregnancy, answer your questions, and help you explore your options before making a decision.
If you are currently struggling emotionally because of a past abortion, you are not alone. Healing is possible. We offer a post-abortion support program designed to provide compassionate, confidential support for those experiencing grief, regret, anger, sadness, or unresolved emotions related to a previous abortion.
You do not have to walk this path alone. Whatever you are feeling right now matters, and support is available.
References
Auger, N., Healy-Profits, J., Ayoub, A., Lewin, A., & Low, N. (2025). Induced abortion and implications for long-term mental health: A cohort study of 1.2 million pregnancies. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 187, 304–310.
Bodunde, O., et al. (2024). Mental health outcomes following adverse pregnancy outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Coleman, P. K. (2011). Abortion and mental health: Quantitative synthesis and analysis of research published 1995–2009. British Journal of Psychiatry, 199(3), 180–186.
Littell, J. H., Young, S., Pigott, T. D., Biggs, M. A., Munk-Olsen, T., & Steinberg, J. R. (2024). Abortion and mental health outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Campbell Systematic Reviews, 20, e1410.
Reardon, D. C., et al. (2023). Abortion decision and subsequent mental health: Identifying women at risk.