Negative feelings after an abortion are common.  For women at higher risk, abortion may trigger or worsen mental health problems.

The American Psychological Association has identified numerous risk factors that can predict which women are most likely to have more severe emotional reactions to abortion.

In general, you are at greater risk if you feel you have no choice . . . if you feel obligated to abort due to the preferences of others or because of difficult circumstances.

This is especially true if it conflicts with your own prior moral beliefs or your maternal desires. Other major risk factors include a prior history of mental health issues or prior pregnancy losses (miscarriage or abortion).

Some negative reactions will last for only weeks. Others may last for years.

If you have good coping skills, negative feelings may be successfully repressed for years. But repressed feelings may later be triggered by another event such as a birth, a miscarriage, or some other loss.

This checklist will help you to evaluate your own unique risk profile.

Your answers are anonymous.  No identifying information is collected or retained.