THE DECISION TO ABORT AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SEQUELAE

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Abstract
A brief critique of the literature on psychological reactions to abortion emphasizes the need to consider the preabortion decision-making process and the psychological and sociocultural milieu in which the decision is made. The importance of the level of support of significant others for the decision to abort is examined as a predictor of the reaction to the abortion among a sample of 489 women aborting at a New York clinic. Reaction to the abortion was measured within an hour of the procedure using an instrument consisting of nine psychological, social, and intrapsychic items. Reaction to the abortion was significantly more favorable when perceived partner, and anticipated parental support for the abortion was greatest, and among older women. Knowledge of the abortion by partner and parents was not itself associated with the abortion reaction. Further analysis indicated that partner support was significantly more important in predicting a favorable abortion reaction among older women whereas parental support was a more powerful predictor among younger women. Areas for future research are discussed including the necessity of examining the effect of other parameters in the decision-making process. Also requiring further elucidation are the intrapsychic processes used to avoid high quality decision-making which might otherwise lead to a reduction in postabortion reactions.

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