One abortion no threat to mental health : panel

[bliss_eternal]

One abortion no threat to mental health: panel

Psychologists' report counters claims of anti-abortion groups

updated 1 hour ago

WASHINGTON - Women who have a single abortion do not have a higher risk of mental health problems such as depression than women who have their babies, the American Psychological Association reported on Wednesday.

A panel appointed by the group representing psychologists found no credible evidence that having one elective abortion of an unwanted pregnancy causes mental health problems for adult women.

"The best scientific evidence published indicates that among adult women who have an unplanned pregnancy, the relative risk of mental health problems is no greater if they have a single elective first-trimester abortion or deliver that pregnancy," said Brenda Major, a psychologist specializing in stress at the University of California Santa Barbara, who chaired the task force.


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"The evidence regarding the relative mental health risks associated with multiple abortions is more uncertain," she said.

The psychologists analyzed hundreds of studies that have been done on the contentious question, including those that have purported to show serious mental health effects of abortion.

Their report, being presented at a meeting of the American Psychological Association in Boston, counters arguments made by anti-abortion groups.

They said women who had mental health problems before becoming pregnant, women who worried about stigma or secrecy or those who had low self-esteem were more likely to develop mental health problems after an abortion.

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excerpted from:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26182483

[ismnotwasm]

1. My mantra

When it comes to this issue
oOOMmm, oOOMmm
The predominant emotion women feel after an abortion is relief
The predominant emotion women feel after an abortion is relief
The predominant emotion women feel after an abortion is relief

and so on. oOOMm on y'all.

[MountainLaurel]

2. But in the related corollary

Bearing a child you don't want not only worsens your own mental health that of the child as well.