Some Recent Studies

"Resolution of Unwanted Pregnancy During Adolescence Through Abortion Versus Childbirth: Individual and Family Predictors and Psychological Consequences"

by Priscilla K. Coleman

Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 2006

National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, which interviewed thousands of U.S. middle- and high-school students in 1995 and again in 1996.

Conclusion: After controlling for variables, adolescents who aborted an unwanted pregnancy were more inclined than adolescents who delivered to seek psychological counseling and they reported more frequent problems sleeping and more frequent marijuana use. No significant differences were observed for cigarette smoking, frequency of alcohol use, and problems with parents based on alcohol use after the controls were instituted; however without controls, significant associations were observed, underscoring the importance of the use of psychological and situational controls in studies of the consequences of abortion. The information derived from this study is potentially useful to parents and professionals who provide guidance to adolescents regarding pregnancy resolution.

"Abortion in Young Women and Subsequent Mental Health"

By David M. Fergusson, L. John Horwood, and Elizabeth M. Ridder

Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 2006

Background: The extent to which abortion has harmful consequences for mental health remains controversial. We aimed to examine the linkages between having an abortion and mental health outcomes over the interval from age 15–25 years.

Methods: Data were gathered as part of the Christchurch Health and Development Study, a 25-year longitudinal study of a birth cohort of New Zealand children. Information was obtained on: a) the history of pregnancy/abortion for female participants over the interval from 15–25 years; b) measures of DSM-IV mental disorders and suicidal behaviour over the intervals 15–18, 18–21 and 21–25 years; and c) childhood, family and related confounding factors.

Conclusion: Forty-one percent of women had become pregnant on at least one occasion prior to age 25, with 14.6% having an abortion. Those having an abortion had elevated rates of subsequent mental health problems including depression, anxiety, suicidal behaviours and substance use disorders. This association persisted after adjustment for confounding factors.

Final Conclusion: The findings suggest that abortion in young women may be associated with increased risks of mental health problems.

"Abortion and Depression: A population-based longitudinal study of young women."

By Willy Pedersen

Scandinavian Journal of Public Health, 2008

DATA FROM: The "Young in Norway" longitudinal study, which surveyed students in Norway four times from 1992 through 2005.

Abstract:

Aim: Induced abortion is an experience shared by a large number of women in Norway, but we know little about the likely social or mental health-related implications of undergoing induced abortion. International studies suggest an increased risk of adverse outcomes such as depression, but many studies are weakened by poor design. One particular problem is the lack of control for confounding factors likely to increase the risk of both abortion and depression. The aim of the study was to investigate whether induced abortion was a risk factor for subsequent depression.

Methods: A representative sample of women from the normal population (n=768) was monitored between the ages of 15 and 27 years. Questions covered depression, induced abortion and childbirth, as well as socio-demographic variables, family relationships and a number of individual characteristics, such as schooling and occupational history and conduct problems.

Conclusion: Young women who reported having had an abortion in their twenties were more likely to score above the cut-off point for depression (odds ratio (OR) 3.5; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.0—6.1). Controlling for third variables reduced the association, but it remained significant (OR 2.9; 95% CI 1.7—5.6). There was no association between teenage abortion and subsequent depression.

Final Conclusions: Young adult women who undergo induced abortion may be at increased risk for subsequent depression.

"Psychological Responses of Women after First-Trimester Abortion"

By Brenda Major, Catherine Cozzarelli, M. Lynne Cooper, Josephine Zubek, Caroline Richards, Michael Wilhite, Richard H. Gramzow

Archives of General Psychiatry, 2000

Two years post abortion, 301 (72%) of 418 women were satisfied with their decision; 306 (69%) of 441 said they would have the abortion again; 315 (72%) of 440 reported more benefit than harm from their abortion; and 308 (80%) of 386 were not depressed. Six (1%) of 442 reported posttraumatic stress disorder. Depression decreased and self-esteem increased from pre-abortion to post abortion, but negative emotions increased and decision satisfaction decreased over time. Pre pregnancy history of depression was a risk factor for depression, lower self-esteem, and more negative abortion-specific outcomes 2 years post abortion. Younger age and having more children pre-abortion also predicted more negative abortion evaluations.

Conclusions Most women do not experience psychological problems or regret their abortion 2 years post abortion, but some do. Those who do tend to be women with a prior history of depression.