FAQ: Does medication abortion have psychological consequences?

 

Women may experience a range of emotions after a medication abortion, including relief, sadness, anger, or calm. However, there is no evidence that the use of medications to induce an early abortion is associated with any adverse mental health outcomes, including depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, or suicidality.

 

In recent years there has been increased attention to the relationship between abortion, in general, and adverse mental health outcomes. Several recent reviews of the scientific literature have shown that among adult women who have an unplanned pregnancy the relative risk of mental health problems is no greater if they have a single elective first trimester abortion than if they deliver that pregnancy.

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If you have questions about medication abortion, please visit our frequently asked questions section.