New Study Links Abortion to Higher Rates of Suicide, Again
07/22/2019
A new analysis of suicide deaths in Italy found that in the year following a pregnancy, women who had an abortion were 2.3 times more likely to commit suicide than women who gave birth.
This is just the latest of numerous studies linking abortion to higher rates of suicide and elevated risk of death overall.
Large-scale studies of maternal death rates in the U.S., Finland and Denmark have found higher death rates among women who had abortions compared to those who gave birth, including higher suicide rates.
The U.S. study examined Medi-Cal records for more than 173,000 low-income California women. After linking these records to death certificates, researchers found that women who had abortions were 2.6 times more likely to die from suicide than women who delivered their babies. In contrast, women who gave birth had lower suicide rates compared to the general population.
Abortion Not Beneficial to Women’s Mental Health
Abortion advocates have frequently argued that abortion is necessary to protect women’s mental health, or even beneficial.
But a study in the British Journal of Psychiatry found that 10 percent of mental health problems among women are attributable to abortion, including 35 percent of suicidal behaviors. These findings were based on the combined results of all studies published between 1995 and 2009 that met strict inclusion criteria. The resulting analysis included 877,181 women from six countries.
Women who aborted were 81 percent more likely to experience mental health problems compared to all other women. Moreover, when compared especially to women who delivered an unplanned or unwanted pregnancy, women who aborted had 55 percent more mental health problems.
Further, a meta-analysis combining the results of eight studies of women who experienced unwanted pregnancies concluded that “there is no available evidence to suggest that abortion has therapeutic effects in reducing the mental health risks of unwanted or unintended pregnancy.”
Lead author Professor David Fergusson, who has described himself in interviews as a pro-choice atheist, also led the research team in an earlier study that concluded that women who continued an unwanted or mistimed pregnancy did not experience a significant increase in mental health problems. Further, having an abortion did not reduce their mental health risks.
“In general, there is no evidence in the literature on abortion and mental health that suggests that abortion reduces the mental health risks of unwanted or mistimed pregnancy,” the authors wrote. “Although some studies have concluded that abortion has neutral effects on mental health, no study has reported that exposure to abortion reduces mental health risks.”
The Elliot Institute has called for congressional hearings to investigate the risks of suicide and other mental heath problems after abortion.
Study Citation:
1. Lega et al. Maternal suicide in Italy. Arch Womens Ment Health. 2019 May 18
Learn More:
Suicides After Abortion Remain High Despite Better Screening Guidelines
Australian Maternal Death Report Highlights Abortion-Suicide Connection
British Woman’s Suicide Death Part of Dangerous Trend of Unwanted Abortions
Higher Death Rates After Abortion Found in U.S., Finland and Denmark
Each Abortion Increases Women’s Risk of Premature Death by 50 Percent, New Study Reports
Find Help:
Pregnancy Help and Resources
Pregnancy Help Worldwide
Center Against Forced Abortions
Help & Healing After Abortion
Help After Abortion Worldwide
5 thoughts on “New Study Links Abortion to Higher Rates of Suicide, Again”
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Thank you for the solid research information that you make available to the public.
Abortion and suicide connection established yet again.
One more reason for everybody, especially women voters, to abandon the Democratic Party, which is violently anti-life.
Hello,
I’ve had an abortion and suffer mental anguish about my decision to kill my baby. My symptoms include low self worth, self hatred, intense regret, loneliness, isolation. Lack of interest in social activities- anxiety, shame. Difficulty in maintaining relationships. Often feel like is not worth living. Depressed and angry most of the time,, tired all the time.
Hello Ally, I am so sorry for your loss and what you are going through. You are not alone — what you are describing happens to a lot of women after abortion. It’s important to be able to talk about and work though your emotions and anything that is holding you back from healing … because even though you can’t change the past, healing is possible and your life can get better. You don’t have to stay imprisoned in feelings of guilt, sadness, depression, shame, anger, etc. It may take time and hard work, but you can heal.
If you haven’t already done so, you really need to reach out to someone who will listen, understand and help you through this journey. There are a lot of ministries out there that provide support and counseling to women who have had an abortion, and a safe and supportive environment to help you grieve and process your pain. You can learn more about healing and how to find support on our healing page. I’d also suggest paying a visit to the Rachel’s Vineyard web site to look through their FAQ page and read testimonies from women who have been through their healing programs. Even if you are already getting help, please keep trying and know that things can get better. Don’t give up — you are worthy of healing and peace in your life.
Thanks for responding to my message, it’s so kind of you to provide resources to get help. I appreciate you 😊