Psychological Sequelae of Induced Abortion
- 1 December 1989
- journal article
- review article
- Published by SAGE Publications in Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry
- Vol. 23 (4) , 555-565
- https://doi.org/10.3109/00048678909062625
Abstract
This article reviews the scientific literature on the psychological sequelae of induced abortion. The methodology and results of studies carried out over the last twenty-two years are examined critically. The unanimous consensus is that abortion does not cause deleterious psychological effects. Women most likely to show subsequent problems are those who were pressured into the operation against their own wishes, either by relatives or because their pregnancy had medical or foetal contraindications. Legislation which restricts abortion causes problems for women with unwanted pregnancies and their doctors. It is also unjust, as it adversely most affects lower socio-economic class women.Keywords
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