Studies Find Abortions Have Long-Term Adverse Effects

Epoch Times ^ | 01-15-06 | Louise Valentine

[calpilot]

Studies Find Abortions Have Long-Term Adverse Effects By Louise Valentine Epoch Times New York Staff Jan 15, 2006

(Jyn Meyer)

Three recent studies have shown that abortion has adverse effects on the would-be mothers' mental and spiritual health, to such an extent that some are advocating giving up this way of solving the problem of unwanted pregnancy, while others, not wanting to give up their right to choose, are advocating more counseling.

A recent five-year study released from the University of Oslo shows that the negative psychological effects following abortions last much longer than those who had miscarriages.

The study included 80 women who had abortions and 40 women who had miscarriages. All the women were given questionnaires 10 days, six months, two years and five years after the event. The tests were Impact of Event Scale (IES), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and one on their feelings about pregnancy termination.

Forty-eight percent of the women who had miscarriages suffered distress at the ten-day period versus 30 percent of those who aborted. However, the ones who had miscarriages dropped to 23 percent after six months and to 2.6 percent after five years.

Of the women who had abortions 26 percent were still suffering grief, guilt, depression, shame and denial at six months. After five years 20 percent were still distressed.

Anne Nordel Broen, who conducted the Oslo study, said that possibly those who have abortions are more anxious to begin with. Others feel that taking a life has psychological effects. The study was published in the December issue of BMC Medicine .

The Christchurch Health and Development Study tracked 1,265 children born in the 1970s in New Zealand, which included 500 girls. Of them, 205 became pregnant and 90 had abortions. Forty-two percent of the women who had abortions had experienced major depression at some time in the previous four years—almost double the rate of the other women. The ones who had abortions also experienced twice the anxiety disorders, double the alcohol abuse, triple illegal drug dependency and a higher risk of suicide.

Dr. David Fergusson conducted the Christchurch study to settle the dispute over whether women who have abortions already have psychological problems or they come as a result of having abortions.

According to Dr. Fergusson, the large number of women studied over 25 years takes into account differences in socio-economic backgrounds and family history. He said: "…it does show as with…any procedure of any form, that there are risks and benefits that need to be taken into account and to be weighed very carefully." His study was published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry .

A 1997 Study in Finland by the STAKES statistical analysis unit of Finland's National Research and Development Center for Welfare and Health, in which researchers pulled death certificates and reproductive health records of women who died within a year of a birth, miscarriage or abortion included 9,192 maternal post-abortion deaths of women aged 15–49 from 1987 to 1994. They found the risk of death within a year by suicide, homicide, accident or natural causes was four times greater in women who had abortions than in other women.

Dr. Wanda Franz, the president of National Right to Life applauded the study, "Their approach to looking at short-term and long-term effects is very important, because one of the things that we've noticed when we've looked at data in the past is that there do appear to be long term effects. These… are very rarely addressed by our own abortion advocates in this country."

Questions or comments: louise.valentine@epochtimes.com

[calpilot]

The truth comes out...and by the Europeans.

[oprahstheantichrist]

Is there a "No Sh**, Sherlock" Ping List?

[ladiesview61]

You don't say.

[andie74]

Exactly. This isn't exactly rocket science, y'know... people feeling guilty about murder.

[Mr Ramsbotham]

It's called "conscience." Damned inconvenient thing.

[Lorianne]

There will be an all out campaign to discredit this study.

[apackof2]

Silent No More Awarness

Make the public aware that abortion is harmful emotionally, physically and spiritually to women and others;

Reach out to women who are hurting from an abortion, let them know help is available;

Invite women to join us in speaking the truth about abortion's negative consequences.

[JohnLongIsland]

eventually you wake up one day down the road and come to the realization that you have commited murder.

[rovenstinez]

Ted Kennedy, are you reading this?

[unixfox]

Funny, no study about what MEN think.

[mlc9852]

My daughter knows a young woman who was going to have an abortion but she was required to see a sonogram. She changed her mind and didn't have an abortion. She realized it was indeed a baby and not some mass of tissue.

[apackof2]

I was at the annual pro-life rally in D.C on the anniversary of Roe v Wade in 2001

One of the saddest signs I saw was carried by a man that said,
"I never got the chance to be the daddy"

[apackof2]

Thank God for that

[mlc9852]

I really believe hearts and minds are being changed.

[apackof2]

I hope so

[HuntsvilleTxVeteran]

So women who help murder their unborn children feel a little guilt.

[fortunecookie]

The truth comes out...and by the Europeans.

Now the feeding frenzy as the MSM tries to squelch it or put it's poisonous spin on it before too many of us are moved by it.

[fortunecookie]

The truth comes out...and by the Europeans.

Now the feeding frenzy as the MSM tries to squelch it or put it's poisonous spin on it before too many of us are moved by it.

[generally]

I find it interesting that when this subject is debated, quite often the exception raised in arguments against abortion is "when the life or health of the mother is endangered". In areas where abortion is prohibited or restricted, an exception is often made to preserve the life or health of the mother. I have since learned that often the mother's "health" has been twisted to include a broad definition of her mental health. The argument is that it would cause her to be stressed or depressed if she were forced to have the baby.

This study (the results of which any normal person would have been able to predict) ought to put a monkey wrench into that argument.

[generally]

I find it interesting that when this subject is debated, quite often the exception raised in arguments against abortion is "when the life or health of the mother is endangered". In areas where abortion is prohibited or restricted, an exception is often made to preserve the life or health of the mother. I have since learned that often the mother's "health" has been twisted to include a broad definition of her mental health. The argument is that it would cause her to be stressed or depressed if she were forced to have the baby.

This study (the results of which any normal person would have been able to predict) ought to put a monkey wrench into that argument.

[fortunecookie]

The truth comes out...and by the Europeans.

Now the feeding frenzy as the MSM tries to squelch it or put it's poisonous spin on it before too many of us are moved by it.

[generally]

I find it interesting that when this subject is debated, quite often the exception raised in arguments against abortion is "when the life or health of the mother is endangered". In areas where abortion is prohibited or restricted, an exception is often made to preserve the life or health of the mother. I have since learned that often the mother's "health" has been twisted to include a broad definition of her mental health. The argument is that it would cause her to be stressed or depressed if she were forced to have the baby.

This study (the results of which any normal person would have been able to predict) ought to put a monkey wrench into that argument.

[generally]

I find it interesting that when this subject is debated, quite often the exception raised in arguments against abortion is "when the life or health of the mother is endangered". In areas where abortion is prohibited or restricted, an exception is often made to preserve the life or health of the mother. I have since learned that often the mother's "health" has been twisted to include a broad definition of her mental health. The argument is that it would cause her to be stressed or depressed if she were forced to have the baby.

This study (the results of which any normal person would have been able to predict) ought to put a monkey wrench into that argument.

[Onelifetogive]

Others feel that taking a life has psychological effects.

Ya think?

[generally]

I find it interesting that when this subject is debated, quite often the exception raised in arguments against abortion is "when the life or health of the mother is endangered". In areas where abortion is prohibited or restricted, an exception is often made to preserve the life or health of the mother. I have since learned that often the mother's "health" has been twisted to include a broad definition of her mental health. The argument is that it would cause her to be stressed or depressed if she were forced to have the baby.

This study (the results of which any normal person would have been able to predict) ought to put a monkey wrench into that argument.

[jjmcgo]

In the 1970s when we were young, three female close friends of my wife, in separate conversations, told her they had seen their aborted baby's faces in their dreams. Each volunteered that info.

[cyborg]

I don't understand why someone would burden themselves with such heavy duty foul karma.

[Evie Munchkin]

My first child died because of a miscarriage. When I became pregnant again, the doctor had me get an ultrasound at seven weeks to make sure that the type of miscarriage wasn't going to happen with this child. At seven weeks we couldn't see that much of the body, but boy could we see that little heart beating! And then I had another ultrasound at twelve weeks and that little baby was beautiful. They say that at twelve weeks everything is there, not completely formed, but there.

My baby boy was born two months premature. I think that anyone considering a late term abortion should have to view the children in a NICU. Once they see how tiny and perfect these babies are, even three months early, they'll realize what they are about to do.

I think that it should be mandatory for all women seeking abortions to view their children. I think that once they see that their children are alive they will change their minds.

[Evie Munchkin]

My first child died because of a miscarriage. When I became pregnant again, the doctor had me get an ultrasound at seven weeks to make sure that the type of miscarriage wasn't going to happen with this child. At seven weeks we couldn't see that much of the body, but boy could we see that little heart beating! And then I had another ultrasound at twelve weeks and that little baby was beautiful. They say that at twelve weeks everything is there, not completely formed, but there.

My baby boy was born two months premature. I think that anyone considering a late term abortion should have to view the children in a NICU. Once they see how tiny and perfect these babies are, even three months early, they'll realize what they are about to do.

I think that it should be mandatory for all women seeking abortions to view their children. I think that once they see that their children are alive they will change their minds.

[Evie Munchkin]

Sorry for the double post.

[Luke Skyfreeper]

Others feel that taking a life has psychological effects.

Exactly what I was going to say. No shot, Sherlock.

[Intolerant in NJ]

Woman I was supervising on her doctorate twenty years ago told me about a colleague who was just finishing a study which demonstrated clearly the depression and even suicidal tendencies experienced by many following abortion - such research is not new, but it gets "buried" very quickly as will these studies IMO......

[Luke Skyfreeper]

This study (the results of which any normal person would have been able to predict) ought to put a monkey wrench into that argument.

I wonder if there have been studies done of the mental health of women who were "forced" to carry their babies to term and then gave them up for adoption? If not, this could be a major contribution.

[generally]

I find it interesting that when this subject is debated, quite often the exception raised in arguments against abortion is "when the life or health of the mother is endangered". In areas where abortion is prohibited or restricted, an exception is often made to preserve the life or health of the mother. I have since learned that often the mother's "health" has been twisted to include a broad definition of her mental health. The argument is that it would cause her to be stressed or depressed if she were forced to have the baby.

This study (the results of which any normal person would have been able to predict) ought to put a monkey wrench into that argument.

[generally]

I would assume that any woman with an unwanted pregnancy is stressed, regardless of what decisions she makes: abort, keep, place for adoption. A better study might involve women who aborted and later bore children that they wanted, women who aborted and later bore children that they gave up for adoption. Even then, it may be only a rough comparison, since a woman's personal circumstances would be different with each pregnancy.

[shield]

bttt

[HamiltonJay]

After five years 20 percent were still distressed

Its amazing only 1 in 5 feels guity for committing infanticide 4 years later IMHO.

[arizonarachel]

"I never got the chance to be the daddy"

That made me tear up. How sad.

[TigersEye]

I find it interesting that when this subject is debated, quite often the exception raised in arguments against abortion is "when the life or health of the mother is endangered". In areas where abortion is prohibited or restricted, an exception is often made to preserve the life or health of the mother.

You might find this information interesting too.

Abortion is not about saving women’s lives!

Total Abortions since 1973

45,951,133

------------------------------------------------------------

Why the drop after 1960? (in deaths of women from illegal abortions)

The reasons were new and better antibiotics, better surgery and the establishment of intensive care units in hospitals. This was in the face of a rising population. Between 1967 and 1970 sixteen states legalized abortion. In most it was limited, only for rape, incest and severe fetal handicap (life of mother was legal in all states). There were two big exceptions — California in 1967, and New York in 1970 allowed abortion on demand. Now look at the chart carefully.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Abortion Statistics - Decision to Have an Abortion (U.S.)

· 25.5% of women deciding to have an abortion want to postpone childbearing

· 21.3% of women cannot afford a baby

· 14.1% of women have a relationship issue or their partner does not want a child

· 12.2% of women are too young (their parents or others object to the pregnancy)

· 10.8% of women feel a child will disrupt their education or career

· 7.9% of women want no (more) children

· 3.3% of women have an abortion due to a risk to fetal health

2.8% of women have an abortion due to a risk to maternal health

----------------------------------------------------------------------

So how many women’s lives have been saved by abortion?

Only about 3% of abortions since 1972 were reported to be “due to a risk to maternal health.” A reasonable person would recognize that not all of those cases represent a lethal risk. But let’s say they did. That means that nearly 45 million fetuses were butchered to save the lives of about 1.3 million women. Or put another way; 35 babies are killed to save each woman.

Abortion was legal in all 50 states prior to Roe v. Wade in cases of danger to the life of the woman.

[TigersEye]

Its amazing only 1 in 5 feels guity for committing infanticide 4 years later IMHO.

It's entirely possible for a person to recognize what they've done, regret it and change their POV. Carrying guilt for the rest of your life for past mistakes is useless and destructive.

[elbucko]

They found the risk of death within a year by suicide, homicide, accident or natural causes was four times greater in women who had abortions than in other women.

Only if there was a gun in the home. (/sarcasm)

[getitright]

Yes, the little baby endures the effects of it's being aborted for many years....

[ariamne]

Good post. I would dearly love to speak to women about this and tell them about the years of pain this terrible decision I made in my early 20's has cost me. It never goes away, and the guilt and pain is always lurking. Women who've had abortions and are honest enough with themselves and God enough to admit the terrible mistake can witness for the pro-life cause in ways that no one else can. It is our way of trying to atone. My 9 year old knows already how wrong abortion is.

[apackof2]

about the years of pain this terrible decision I made in my early 20's

Me too

You can get involved, I am, check out the web site.

[calpilot]

Thanks for all your posts...new to the FreeRepublic, though a casual reader for nearly a year now. Couldn't agree more with all your opinions. Hope you all can patronize the Epoch Times. I e-mailed the author who told me that all contributions are voluntary. They have an impressive section on Asian affairs.

I like the comment made that less than 3% of abortions are due to a mother's health. Funny how the Pro-Choicers twist that fact to make it such a big deal when in all reality and facts, it's not. Just think of all the countless millions of aborted babies in Latin America or China, not even counting those in the US. Pretty depressing.

[Smokin' Joe]

Yeah, but they dodged the other bullet, the link to increased chances of developing breast cancer.

[napscoordinator]

When this case came down form the Supreme Court in 1973. I was only four years old, but how many people were actively involved in getting it turned down. It is really difficult to overturn something once it gets approved. Why didn't everyone just complain and actively insist that this rule not get voted for abortions. I know today people would be more active on these rulings. I would have loved to be of age in 1973 and go and battle the abortion ruling before the vote. Could you imagine millions of pro lifers out front stating our views. I think the vote would have been different. Just my opinion.

[Reddy]

Aside from the "no kidding" factor of this article, I was amazed to read that women in Finland are getting pregnant at 49?? That's pretty amazing in itself- that enough 49 year olds got pregnant and had abortions to be included in this survey.

[jdhljc169]

Is there a "No Sh**, Sherlock" Ping List?

***

LOLOLOL!

[getitright]

another favorite justification is incest and rape which account for similiarly insignificant numbers of abortions.


it is primarily a matter of the mother's convenience.