In the post-Roe era, women’s mental health is at risk. But not for the reasons you might think. Since the Supreme Court’s decision overturning Roe v. Wade, courts in states such as
South Carolina
,
Iowa
, and my home state of
Ohio
have blocked the implementation of heartbeat laws that provide protection to the unborn at six weeks, or when a fetal heartbeat can be detected. While these legal battles play out, women suffer from the lack of safeguards against the negative impact of abortion.
Studies have shown that women are better off without abortion. Many who obtain abortions experience
consistently higher rates
of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders, as well as
PTSD
, compared to women who do not abort. They also exhibit more self-destructive behavior, including
suicide
, than women who do not abort.
STOP PLAYING THE LEFT’S LANGUAGE GAMES
In particular, the suicide rate in women who obtain abortions is almost
six times higher
than in women who deliver. Additionally, in my study of international college students, I found that among those who had undergone abortions, more than
20% experienced a first-time episode
of suicidal thoughts afterward, sometimes lasting years after the procedure.
In my years of research in this field, I have observed that Planned Parenthood, not surprisingly, establishes its abortion clinics in close proximity to some college student health services. I’ve witnessed this phenomenon firsthand in large cities, such as with Boston University, as well as smaller college towns, including the homes of the University of Florida and the University of Vermont. And it’s no wonder. Women under age 25 have the
highest rates
of abortion, the highest rates of mental health disorders after abortion, and the highest rates of repeat abortions. This vulnerable population becomes victim to the downward spiral of post-abortion shame, self-loathing, and unhealthy coping mechanisms often resulting in repetitive abortions.
Meanwhile, the American Psychological Association
found
that later trimester abortions are a risk factor contributing to women’s mental health problems after the procedure. And abortion providers themselves
note
that the later a woman obtains an abortion, the greater her risk for post-abortive psychological distress. Earlier gestational limits on abortion decrease the chances of post-abortive mental health problems by simply banning the procedure earlier than previous limits.
In response to the substantial data linking abortion with poor mental health, some who support abortion cite the
Turnaway study
as evidence that women denied abortions have worse mental health outcomes. But there are
several problems
with the
results
. By the end of the five-year study period, less than 20% of the sample was left, resulting in a small sample size and unacceptably high dropout rate that created a selection bias and limited how generalizable the results may be. Furthermore, the study has not been replicated or critiqued against any other body of evidence. These facts alone raise doubts that greater abortion access is better for women.
Fortunately, women have alternatives to abortion. A nationwide network of more than
3,000 pregnancy resource centers
exists to support and protect women facing unexpected pregnancies. PRCs offer compassion, free resources, and counseling, helping women understand their options and overcome their fears. Counseling can help women resolve the circumstances of an unplanned pregnancy and prevent another one, as well as heal from the trauma of previous abortions.
The evidence is clear — women are better served psychologically when they are empowered to make the best choices for both themselves and their children. In the coming year, state courts have the opportunity to rule in favor of women and spare them the great mental distress associated with abortion.
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Maureen Curley, Ph.D., is a psychiatric nurse practitioner and researcher in Ohio. She treats women who experience mental health problems surrounding all types of reproductive events and advocates for underserved women.
