Posted on 04/09/2025 8:32:14 AM PDT by Morgana
Abstract
Background
It is widely reported that the most prominent emotion following abortions is relief. This claim primarily rests on two studies of abortion clinic patients which had methodological and self-censure bias. Other studies have indicated that negative emotions are more common than positive emotions. The objective of this study is to obtain self-assessed data on the intensity of emotional responses to abortion and pregnancy loss in a random national sample.
Methods
Using visual analog scales, a random sample of 1,925 women aged 41 to 45 completed a survey in which respondents rated the degree to which they experienced emotional responses to their first abortion or natural pregnancy loss. The emotions assessed included relief, grief, depression, anxiety, guilt, emptiness, anger, regret, shame, unforgiveness of self, uncontrollable weeping, frequent thoughts of the child they could have had, and difficulty completing the grief process. Women were categorized into five groups based on pregnancy outcomes, and four abortion decision types: Wanted, Inconsistent, Unwanted, or Coerced.
Results
Among women with a history of abortion (n=409), negative emotions were reported more intensely than relief. Relief was the predominant emotion only among the 29.8% of women whose abortions were freely wanted and consistent with their own values and preferences. For all other groups, relief was low and negative emotions were more prominent. Emotions following natural pregnancy losses were similar to those following abortion, but less severe following wanted abortions and more severe following coerced abortions.
Conclusions
Relief is only common after freely wanted abortions. Most abortions are inconsistent or contrary to women’s own values. In these cases, strong negative emotions are far more dominant than relief. These results should inform pre-abortion screening, counseling supportive of women’s own values and preferences, and mental health support post-abortion.
(Excerpt) Read more at f1000research.com ...
David Reardon has been researching these issues for a good 30 years that I know of. He is probably the foremost expert in the field of emotional response to abortion trauma.
Planned Parenthood just wants the abortions. I doubt if it is the money. If they were paid the same amount they would still want to provide the abortion. They desire acceptance of abortion.
Its becoming common for ardent feminists to brag about their abortions. For women who have had abortions but have other children, it is not such a good idea to make such “boasts”. Their surviving children never look at their mothers quite the same. They come to believe that their mother for whatever reason killed one of their siblings.
Most abortions in the West are done as birth control after the fact. It’s not because the mother’s health was in danger. It’s an act denying God’s purpose for women to give birth and be mothers. Thus, it’s a sinful and selfish act. Consequences attach to choices. Like Lady MacBeth, women who get abortions have to live with the guilt, as they should.
“ Most abortions in the West are done as birth control after the fact”
Birth control is the root of the evil. Abortion is just a part of it
Do try to tell what other reason is there for abortion.
Life of the mother please give us a medical example
Old women, likely divorced and alone, find relief after abortion with one night stand.
I wonder how many of the women are aware of the detrimental effects experienced later in their lives as a result of the abortion(s).
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.
