Category: Women’s Health Studies

Women With Chlamydia who have Abortions At Greater Risk for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Untreated women with chlamydia infection at the time of abortion had a cumulative risk of 72% of developing early and/or late PID (pelvic inflammatory disease) if observed for 24 months. The risk was reduced to 8% of the infection was treated at the time of the abortion.

Sorensen, JL, Thranov I, Hoff G, Dirach J, Dansgaard MT A Double-Blind Randomized Study Of the Effect of erythromycin In Preventing Pelvic Inflammatory Disease after First Trimester Abortion British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 1992 May; 99 (5) 434 – 8, P436

Yet most abortion clinics do not screened for STDs in the patients they abort.

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Psychiatrist: Postabortion Women Suffer “Horribly”

A pro-choice psychiatrist who believe that life does not begin until three months after birth, has treated a lot of women after abortion.

“Every single one of them has suffered horribly. They never forgive themselves.”

She says there is no difference between those who are very religious and those who aren’t.

“There may be more fear with the women who are very religious… But the level of grief for women who are even atheist is about the same.”

James D Slack Abortion, Execution, and the Consequences of Taking Life (New Brunswick: Transaction Publishers, 2009) 61

 

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Physical Risks of Abortion

Pro-choice groups commonly maintain that abortion is a very safe medical procedure. While deaths from first-trimester abortions are relatively rare (though hardly non-existent) there are indeed serious complications that can be life-changing if not life-ending. Namely, an effect on future fertility. Please be made aware of the following statistics and studies:

Physical Risks: Life-Threatening Dangers of Abortion

Higher death risk, up to 7 times higher suicide
Compared to pregnant women who had their babies, pregnant women who aborted were …

** 3.5 times more likely to die in the following year
** 1.6 times more likely to die of natural causes
** 6-7 times more likely to die of suicide
** 14 times more likely to die from homicide
** 4 times more likely to die of injuries related to accidents(1)

Another study found that, compared to women who gave birth, women who had abortions had a 62% higher risk of death from all causes for at least eight years after their pregnancies. Deaths from suicides and accidents were most prominent, with deaths from suicides being 2.5 times higher.(2)

Causes of death within a week: The leading causes of abortion-related maternal deaths within a week of abortion are hemorrhage, infection, embolism, anesthesia complications, and undiagnosed ectopic pregnancies.(3)

Cancer. Significantly increased risk of breast cancer, cervical cancer, and lung cancer (probably due to heavier smoking patterns after abortion).(4)

Immediate complications. About 10% suffer immediate complications; one-fifth are life-threatening: (5)

** hemorrhage
** infection
** ripped or perforated uterus
** cervical injury
** embolism
** anesthesia complications
** convulsions
** chronic abdominal pain
** cervical injury
** endotoxic shock
** Rh sensitization

31% suffer health complications. A recent study published in a major medical journal found that 31% of American women surveyed who had undergone abortions had health complications.(6)

80%-180% increase in doctor visits. Based on health care sought before and after abortion. On average, there is an 80% increase in doctor visits and a 180% increase in doctor visits for psychosocial reasons after abortion.(7)

Self-destructive lifestyles, spiraling health problems. Increased risk of promiscuity, smoking, drug abuse, and eating disorders, which all put the woman at increased risk for other health problems.(8)

Infertility and life-threatening reproductive risks

Abortion can damage reproductive organs and cause long-term and sometimes permanent problems that can put future pregnancies at risk. Women who have abortions are more likely to experience ectopic pregnancies, infertility, hysterectomies, stillbirths, miscarriages, and premature births than women who have not had abortions.(9)

Teens Face Higher Risk, 10 Times More Likely to Attempt Suicide

Teens 10 times more likely to attempt suicide. Teenage girls are 10 times more likely to attempt suicide if they have had an abortion in the last 6 months than are teens who have not had an abortion.(10)

Reproductive damage and other complications. Compared to teens who give birth, teens who abort are generally at higher risk of immediate complications and long-term reproductive damage after abortion than are older women.(11)
Higher risk of PID, 2.5 times higher risk of endometritis (a major cause of maternal death in future pregnancies)

Teens are at higher risk for dangerous infections such as pelvic inflammatory disease and endometritis after abortion.
These infections increase their risk of infertility, hysterectomy, ectopic pregnancy, and other serious complications.(12)

Overview of reproductive complications and problems with subsequent deliveries

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. Abortion puts women at risk of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is a serious, life threatening disease and a major direct cause of infertility. PID also increases risk of ectopic pregnancies. Studies have found that approximately one-fourth of women who have a chlamydia infection at the time of their abortion and 5% of women who don’t have chlamydia will develop PID within four weeks after the abortion.(13)

Placenta Previa. After abortion, there is a seven- to 15-fold increase in placenta previa in subsequent pregnancies (a life-threatening condition for both the mother and her wanted pregnancy). Abnormal development of the placenta due to uterine damage increases the risk of birth defects, stillbirth, and excessive bleeding during labor.(14)

Ectopic Pregnancy. Post-abortive women have a significantly increased risk of subsequent ectopic pregnancies, (15) which are life threatening and may result in reduced fertility.

Endometritis, a Major Cause of Death. Abortion can result in endometritis, which can lead to hospitalization and infertility problems. It is a major cause of maternal death during pregnancy.(16)

Women who abort twice as likely to have pre-term or post-term deliveries.(17)

** Women who had one, two, or more previous induced abortions are, respectively, 1.89, 2.66, or 2.03 times more likely to have a subsequent pre-term delivery, compared to women who carry to term. Pre-term delivery increases the risk of neonatal death and handicaps. The average hospital charge from delivery to discharge for a premature birth is $58,000, compared to $4,300 for a full-term birth.

** Women who had one, two, or more induced abortions are, respectively, 1.89, 2.61, and 2.23 times more likely to have a post-term delivery (over 42 weeks).

Death or disability of newborns in later pregnancies. Cervical and uterine damage may increase the risk of premature delivery, complications of labor, and abnormal development of the placenta in later pregnancies.(16) These complications are the leading causes of disabilities among newborns.

Having read this article and looked at the Citations, what does Planned Parenthood say about abortion’s safety? Check out the Truth Aborted Section.

Citations

1. M Gissler et. al., “Pregnancy Associated Deaths in Finland 1987-1994 — definition problems and benefits of record linkage” Acta Obsetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica 76:651-657, 1997; Mika Gissler, Elina Hemminki, Jouko Lonnqvist, “Suicides after pregnancy in Finland: 1987-94: register linkage study” British Medical Journal 313:1431-4, 1996; and M. Gissler, “Injury deaths, suicides and homicides associated with pregnancy, Finland 1987-2000,” European J. Public Health 15(5):459-63, 2005 .
2. DC Reardon et. al., “Deaths Associated With Pregnancy Outcome: A Record Linkage Study of Low Income Women,” Southern Medical Journal 95(8):834-41, Aug. 2002.
3. Kaunitz, “Causes of Maternal Mortality in the United States, Obstetrics and Gynecology 65(5), May 1985
4. H.L. Howe, et al., “Early Abortion and Breast Cancer Risk Among Women Under Age 40,” International Journal of Epidemiology 18(2):300-304, 1989; L.I. Remennick, “Induced Abortion as A Cancer Risk Factor: A Review of Epidemiological Evidence,” Journal of Epidemiological Community Health 1990; M.C. Pike, “Oral Contraceptive Use and Early Abortion as Risk Factors for Breast Cancer in Young Women,” British Journal of Cancer 43:72, 1981; M-G, Le, et al., “Oral Contraceptive Use and Breast or Cervical Cancer: Preliminary Results of a French Case-Control Study, Hormones and Sexual Factors in Human Cancer Etiology ed. JP Wolff, et al., (New York, Excerpta Medica,1984) 139-147; F. Parazzini, et al., “Reproductive Factors and the Risk of Invasive and Intraepithelial Cervical Neoplasia,” British Journal of Cancer 59:805-809,1989; H.L. Stewart, et al., “Epidemiology of Cancers of the Uterine Cervix and Corpus, Breast and Ovary in Israel and New York City,” Journal of the National Cancer Institute 37(1):1-96; I. Fujimoto, et al., “Epidemiologic Study of Carcinoma in Situ of the Cervix,” Journal of Reproductive Medicine 30(7):535, July 1985; N. Weiss, “Events of Reproductive Life and the Incidence of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer,” Am. J. of Epidemiology, 117(2):128-139, 1983; V. Beral, et al., “Does Pregnancy Protect Against Ovarian Cancer,” The Lancet 1083-7, May 20, 1978; C. LaVecchia, et al.,”Reproductive Factors and the Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Women,” International Journal of Cancer 52:351, 1992.
5. Frank, et.al., “Induced Abortion Operations and Their Early Sequelae,” Journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners 35(73):175-180, April 1985; Grimes and Cates, “Abortion: Methods and Complications”, in Human Reproduction, 2nd ed., 796-813; M.A. Freedman, “Comparison of complication rates in first trimester abortions performed by physician assistants and physicians,” Am. J. Public Health 76(5):550-554, 1986).
6. VM Rue et. al., “Induced abortion and traumatic stress: A preliminary comparison of American and Russian women” Medical Science Monitor 10(10): SR5-16, 2004.
7. P. Ney, et.al., “The Effects of Pregnancy Loss on Women’s Health,” Soc. Sci. Med. 48(9):1193-1200, 1994; Badgley, Caron, & Powell, Report of the Committee on the Abortion Law (Ottawa: Supply and Services, 1997) 319-321.
8. T. Burke with D. Reardon, Forbidden Grief: The Unspoken Pain of Abortion (Springfield, IL: Acorn Books, 2002), see ch. 13 and 15.
9. Strahan, T. Detrimental Effects of Abortion: An Annotated Bibliography with Commentary (Springfield, IL: Acorn Books, 2002) 168-206.
10. B. Garfinkle, Stress, Depression and Suicide: A Study of Adolescents in Minnesota (Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Extension Service, 1986).
11. Wadhera, “Legal Abortion Among Teens, 1974-1978”, Canadian Medical Association Journal 122:1386-1389,June 1980; 13. E. Belanger, et. al., “Pain of First Trimester Abortion: A Study of Psychosocial and Medical Predictors,” Pain, 36:339; G.M. Smith, et. al., “Pain of first-trimester abortion: Its quantification and relationships with other variables,” American Journal Obstetrics & Gynecology, 133:489, 1979; R.T. Burkman, et. al., “Morbidity Risk Among Young Adolescents Undergoing Elective Abortion,” Contraception, 30(2):99, 1984; and K.F. Schulz, et. al., and “Measures to Prevent Cervical Injury During Suction Curettage Abortion,” The Lancet, 1182-1184, May 28, 1993 .
12. Burkman, et al., “Morbidity Risk Among Young Adolescents Undergoing Elective Abortion” Contraception 30:99-105, 1984; R.T. Burkman, et. al., “Culture and treatment results in endometritis following elective abortion,” American J. Obstet. & Gynecol., 128:556, 1997; and D. Avonts and P. Piot, “Genital infections in women undergoing induced abortion,” European J. Obstet. & Gynecol. & Reproductive Biology, 20:53, 1985; W. Cates, Jr., “Teenagers and Sexual Risk-Taking: The Best of Times and the Worst of Times,” Journal of Adolescent Health, 12:84, 1991; and “Teenage Pregnancy: Overall Trends and State-by-State Information,” Report by the Alan Guttmmacher Institute, Washington, DC, www.agi.org.
13. Radberg, et al., “Chlamydia Trachomatis in Relation to Infections Following First Trimester Abortions,” Acta Obstricia Gynoecological (Supp.93), 54:478, 1980; L. Westergaard, “Significance of Cervical Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection in Post-abortal Pelvic Inflammatory Disease,” Obstetrics and Gynecology 60(3):322-325, 1982; M. Chacko, et al., “Chlamydia Trachomatosis Infection in Sexually Active Adolescents: Prevalence and Risk Factors,” Pediatrics 73(6), 1984; M. Barbacci, et al., “Post-Abortal Endometritis and Isolation of Chlamydia Trachomatis,” Obstetrics and Gynecology 68(5):668-690, 1986; S. Duthrie, et al., “Morbidity After Termination of Pregnancy in First-Trimester,” Genitourinary Medicine 63(3):182-187, 1987.
14. Barrett, et al., “Induced Abortion: A Risk Factor for Placenta Previa”, American Journal of Ob&Gyn. 141:7, 1981.
15. Daling,et.al., “Ectopic Pregnancy in Relation to Previous Induced Abortion”, J. American Medical Association 253(7):1005-1008, Feb. 15, 1985; Levin, et.al., “Ectopic Pregnancy and Prior Induced Abortion”, American J. Public Health 72:253, 1982; C.S. Chung, “Induced Abortion and Ectopic Pregnancy in Subsequent Pregnancies,” American J. Epidemiology 115(6):879-887 (1982).
16. “Post-Abortal Endometritis and Isolation of Chlamydia Trachomatis,” Obstetrics and Gynecology 68(5):668- 690, 1986); P. Sykes, “Complications of termination of pregnancy: a retrospective study of admissions to Christchurch Women’s Hospital, 1989 and 1990,” New Zealand Medical Journal 106: 83-85, March 10, 1993; S Osser and K Persson, “Postabortal pelvic infection associated with Chlamydia trachomatis infection and the influence of humoral immunity,” Am J Obstet Gynecol 150:699, 1984; B. Hamark and L Forssman, “Postabortal Endometritis in Chlamydia-Negative Women- Association with Preoperative Clinical Signs of Infection,” Gynecol Obstet Invest 31:102-105, 1991; and Strahan, Detrimental Effects of Abortion: An Annotated Bibliography With Commentary (Springfield, IL: Acorn Books, 2002) 169.
17. Zhou, Weijin, et. al., “Induced Abortion and Subsequent Pregnancy Duration,” Obstetrics & Gynecology 94(6):948-953, Dec. 1999.
18. Hogue, Cates and Tietze, “Impact of Vacuum Aspiration Abortion on Future Childbearing: A Review”, Family Planning Perspectives 15(3), May-June 1983.

 

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Psychological Risks: Traumatic Aftereffects of Abortion

Suicide

— 6-7 times higher suicide rate. Two national from Finland based on medical records revealed that aborting women were six-seven times more likely to commit suicide in the following year than were delivering women.(1)

— Up to 60% have suicidal thoughts. According to a recent study in a major scientific journal, 31% had thoughts of suicide after abortion. In another survey, approximately 60% of women with post-abortion problems reported suicidal thoughts, with 28% attempting suicide and half of those attempting suicide two or more times.(2)

— 154% higher risk of suicide. Another study of more than 173,000 American women who had abortions or carried to term found that, during the eight years after the pregnancy ended, women who aborted had a 154% higher risk of suicide than women who carried to term.(3)

— Higher suicide risks for teens. Teen girls are 10 times more likely to attempt suicide if they have had an abortion in the last six months than girls who have not had an abortion, and 2-4 times more likely to commit suicide after abortion compared to adult women.(4)

Depression

— 65% higher risk of clinical depression. A longitudinal study of American women revealed that those who aborted were 65% more likely to be at risk of long-term clinical depression after controlling for age, race, education, marital status, history of divorce, income, and prior psychiatric state.(5)

— Depression risk remained high, even when pregnancies were unplanned. Among a national sample of women with unintended first pregnancies, aborting women were at significantly higher risk of long-term clinical depression compared to delivering women.(6)

Trauma

— 65% report symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. In a study of U.S. and Russian women who had abortions, 65% of U.S. women experienced multiple symptoms of PTSD, which they attributed to their abortions. Slightly over 14% reported all the symptoms necessary for a clinical diagnosis of abortion-induced PTSD, and 25% said they did not receive adequate counseling. 64% said they felt pressured by others to abort.(7)

— In the above study, 60% of American women reported that they felt “part of me died” after their abortions.(7)

— Twice as likely to be hospitalized. Compared to women who deliver, women who abort are more than twice as likely to be subsequently hospitalized for psychiatric illness within six months.(8)

— More outpatient psychiatric care. Analysis of California Medicaid records shows that women who have abortions subsequently require significantly more treatments for psychiatric illness through outpatient care. (9)

— Multiple disorders and regrets. A study of post-abortion patients only 8 weeks after their abortions found that 44% reported nervous disorders, 36% experienced sleep disturbances, 31% had regrets about their decision, and 11% had been prescribed psychotropic medicine by their family doctor.(10)

— Generalized anxiety disorder. Among women with no previous history of anxiety, women who aborted a first, unplanned pregnancy were 30% more likely to subsequently report all the symptoms associated with a diagnosis for generalized anxiety disorder, compared to women who carried to term.(11)

— Sleep disorders. In a study of women with no known history of sleep disorders, women were more likely to be treated for sleep disorders after having an abortion compared to giving birth (nearly twice as likely in the first 180 days afterwards). Numerous studies have shown that trauma victims often experience sleep difficulties.(12)

— Disorders not pre-existing. In a New Zealand study, women had higher rates of suicidal behavior, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and other disorders after abortion. The study found that these were not pre-existing problems.(13)

Eating disorders & substance abuse

— 39% had eating disorders. In a survey of women with post-abortion problems, 39% reported subsequent eating disorders.(14)

— Five-fold higher risk of drug and alcohol abuse. Excluding women with a prior history of substance abuse, those who abort their first pregnancy are 5 times more likely to report subsequent drug and alcohol abuse vs. those who give birth.(15)

— Substance abuse during subsequent pregnancies. Among women giving birth for the first time, women with a history of abortion are five times more likely to use drugs, twice as likely to use alcohol, and ten times more likely to use marijuana during their pregnancy, compared to women who have not had an abortion.(16)

— Alcohol abuse linked to other problems. Alcohol abuse after abortion has been linked to violent behavior, divorce or separation, auto accidents, and job loss.(17)

Coercion, guilt, repressed grief

 

— Coerced to violate their beliefs, values and conscience. The “decision” to abort is often based on the demands or threats of others – even when it violates the woman’s own moral beliefs and desire to keep the baby.(18) This is a known risk factor for psychological complications after abortion.(19)

— 64% of abortions involve coercion. A recent study of women who had abortions found that 64% of American women reported that they felt pressured by others to abort.(7)

— Common negative reactions. In a survey of women reporting post-abortion problems, 80% experienced guilt, 83% regret, 79% loss, 62% anger and 70% depression.(2)

— Forbidden grief. After abortion, societal expectation, personal shame and public and professional denial result in repressed grief, causing serious problems including clinical depression, eating disorders, self-destructive lifestyles and suicide.(20)

Divorce and chronic relationship problems

— Women with a history of abortion are significantly more likely to subsequently have shorter relationships and more divorces. This may be due to lowered self-esteem, greater distrust of males, sexual dysfunction, substance abuse, and increased levels of depression, anxiety, and volatile anger.(21)

— More poverty and single parenthood after repeat abortions. Women who have more than one abortion (nearly half of those seeking abortions each year)(22) are more likely to become single parents and to require public assistance.(23)

— 30-50% of post-abortive women report experiencing sexual dysfunctions such as promiscuity, loss of pleasure from intercourse, increased pain, and aversion to sex and/or men.(23)

Not counseled before or after the abortion, many wanted alternatives

In a study of American and Russian women who experienced abortion:

— 67% of American women reported that they received no counseling beforehand

— 84% reported they received inadequate counseling beforehand

— 79% were not counseled about alternatives

— 54% were not sure about their decision at the time.(7)

Unresolved trauma and child abuse

— 144 % more likely to abuse their children. One study found that women with a history of induced abortion were 144% more likely to physically abuse their children than women who had not had an abortion.(24)

— Child abuse linked to unresolved trauma. Abortion is linked with increased violent behavior, alcohol and drug abuse, replacement pregnancies, depression, and poor maternal bonding with later children. These factors are closely associated with child abuse and would appear to confirm a link between unresolved post-abortion trauma and subsequent child abuse.(25)

Repeat abortions, self-punishment and risk factors

— 48% of aborting women have had a previous abortion.(22) Women who have had an abortion are 4 times more likely to abort a current pregnancy than those with no prior abortion history.(21) This may reflect aspects of self-punishment.(26)

— Studies have identified factors that put women at risk for negative reactions to abortion, including feeling pressured into unwanted abortions, lack of support, being more religious, prior emotional or psychological problems, adolescence, being unsure of her decision, and receiving little or no counseling prior to abortion. An analysis of 63 medical studies that identify risk factors concluded that the number of women suffering from negative emotional reactions could be dramatically reduced if abortion clinics screened women for these risk factors.(19)

To learn more, see Forbidden Grief: The Unspoken Pain of Abortion. To order, call: Acorn Books: 1-888-412-2676.

BTW: What is Planned Parenthood’s response to all this? A Planned Parenthood affiliate in Illinois posted the following advice on their website:

“You can say or yell “stop” whenever you have disturbing thoughts… if you find yourself fantasizing too often about what the child may have been like, you should substitute another fantasy: a baby crying because you have no time to give it.”(28)

Citations

1. Gissler, Hemminki & Lonnqvist, “Suicides after pregnancy in Finland, 1987-94: register linkage study,” British Journal of Medicine 313:1431-4, 1996; and M. Gissler, “Injury deaths, suicides and homicides associated with pregnancy, Finland 1987-2000,” European J. Public Health 15(5):459 63,2005.
2. D. Reardon, Aborted Women, Silent No More (Springfield, IL: Acorn Books, 2002).
3. DC Reardon et. al., “Deaths Associated With Pregnancy Outcome: A Record Linkage Study of Low Income Women,” Southern Medical Journal 95(8):834-41, Aug. 2002.
4. B. Garfinkel, et al., “Stress, Depression and Suicide: A Study of Adolescents in Minnesota,” Responding to High Risk Youth (University of Minnesota: Minnesota Extension Service, 1986); M. Gissler, et. al., “Suicides After Pregnancy in Finland: 1987-94: register linkage study,” British Medical Journal, 313: 1431-1434, 1996; and N. Campbell, et. al., “Abortion in Adolescence,” Adolescence, 23:813-823, 1988. See the “Teen Abortion Risks” Fact Sheet at www.unfairchoice.info/resources.htm for more information.
5. JR Cougle, DC Reardon & PK Coleman, “Depression Associated With Abortion and Childbirth: A Long-Term Analysis of the NLSY Cohort,” Medical Science Monitor 9(4):CR105-112, 2003.
6. DC Reardon, JR Cougle, “Depression and unintended pregnancy in the National Longitudinal Study of Youth: a cohort study,” British Medical Journal 324:151-2, 2002.
7. VM Rue et. al., “Induced abortion and traumatic stress: A preliminary comparison of American and Russian women,” Medical Science Monitor 10(10): SR5-16, 2004.
8. DC Reardon et. al., “Psychiatric admissions of low-income women following abortions and childbirth,” Canadian Medical Association Journal 168(10): May 13, 2003. 9. PK Coleman et. al., “State-Funded Abortions Versus Deliveries: A Comparison of Outpatient Mental Health Claims Over Four Years,” American Journal of Orthopsychiatry 72(1):141-152, 2002.
10. Ashton,”The Psychosocial Outcome of Induced Abortion”, British Journal of Ob & Gyn. 87:1115-1122, 1980. 11. JR Cougle, DC Reardon, PK Coleman, “Generalized Anxiety Following Unintended Pregnancies Resolved Through Childbirth and Abortion: A Cohort Study of the 1995 National Survey of Family Growth,” Journal of Anxiety Disorders 19:137-142 (2005).
12. DC Reardon and PK Coleman, “Relative Treatment Rates for Sleep Disorders and Sleep Disturbances Following Abortion and Childbirth: A Prospective Record Based-Study,” Sleep 29(1):105-106, 2006.

13. DM Fergusson et. al., “Abortion in young women and subsequent mental health,” Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry 47(1): 16-24, 2006.
14. T. Burke with D. Reardon, Forbidden Grief: The Unspoken Pain of Abortion (Springfield, IL: Acorn Books, 2002) 189, 293
15. DC Reardon, PG Ney, “Abortion and Subsequent Substance Abuse,” American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse 26(1):61-75, 2000.
16. PK Coleman et. al., “A history of induced abortion in relation to substance abuse during subsequent pregnancies carried to term,” American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 1673-8, Dec. 2002.
17. Benedict, et al., “Maternal Perinatal Risk Factors and Child Abuse,” Child Abuse and Neglect 9:217-224, 1985; P.G. Ney, “Relationship between Abortion and Child Abuse,” Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 24:610-620, 1979; Shepard, et al., “Contraceptive Practice and Repeat Induced Abortion: An Epidemiological Investigation,” J. Biosocial Science 11:289-302, 1979; M. Bracken, “First and Repeated Abortions: A Study of Decision- Making and Delay,” J. Biosocial Science 7:473-491, 1975; S. Henshaw, “The Characteristics and Prior Contraceptive Use of U.S. Abortion Patients,” Family Planning Perspectives, 20(4):158-168, 1988; D. Sherman, et al., “The Abortion Experience in Private Practice,” Women and Loss: Psychobiological Perspectives, ed. W.F. Finn, et al., (New York: Praeger Publishers, 1985) 98-107; E.M. Belsey, et al., “Predictive Factors in Emotional Response to Abortion: King’s Termination Study – IV,” Social Science and Medicine 11:71-82, 1977; E. Freeman, et al., “Emotional Distress Patterns Among Women Having First or Repeat Abortions,” Obstetrics and Gynecology 55(5):630-636, 1980; C. Berger, et al., “Repeat Abortion: Is it a Problem?” Family Planning Perspectives 16(2):70-75 (1984).
18. George Skelton, “Many in Survey Who Had Abortion Cite Guilt Feelings,” Los Angeles Times, March 19, 1989, p. 28 (question 76). See also Mary K. Zimmerman, Passage Through Abortion (New York, Prager Publishers, 1977).
19. David C. Reardon, “The Duty to Screen: Clinical, Legal, and Ethical Implications of Predictive Risk Factors of Post-Abortion Maladjustment,” The Journal of Contemporary Health Law and Policy 20(2):33-114, Spring 2004.
20. For more on this topic, see T. Burke, Forbidden Grief: The Unspoken Pain of Abortion (Springfield, IL: Acorn Books, 2002).
21. Shepard, et al., “Contraceptive Practice and Repeat Induced Abortion: An Epidemiological Investigation,” J. Biosocial Science 11:289-302, 1979; M. Bracken, “First and Repeated Abortions: A Study of Decision-Making and Delay,” J. Biosocial Science 7:473-491, 1975; S. Henshaw, “The Characteristics and Prior Contraceptive Use of U.S. Abortion Patients,” Family Planning Perspectives, 20(4):158-168, 1988; D. Sherman, et al., “The Abortion Experience in Private Practice,” Women and Loss: Psychobiological Perspectives, ed. W.F. Finn, et al., (New York: Praeger Publishers, 1985) 98-107; E.M. Belsey, et al., “Predictive Factors in Emotional Response to Abortion: King’s Termination Study – IV,” Social Science and Medicine 11:71-82, 1977; E. Freeman, et al., “Emotional Distress Patterns Among Women Having First or Repeat Abortions,” Obstetrics and Gynecology 55(5):630-636, 1980; C. Berger, et al., “Repeat Abortion: Is it a Problem?” Family Planning Perspectives 16(2):70-75 (1984).
22. “Facts in Brief: Induced Abortion,” The Alan Guttmacher Institute (www.agi-usa.org), 2002.
23. Speckhard, Psycho-social Stress Following Abortion, (Kansas City, MO: Sheed & Ward, 1987); and Belsey, et al., “Predictive Factors in Emotional Response to Abortion: King’s Termination Study – IV,” Social Science & Med.icine 11:71-82, 1977.
24. Priscilla K. Coleman, et. al., “Associations between voluntary and involuntary forms of perintal loss and child maltreatment among low-income mothers,” Acta Paediatrica 94, 2005.
25. Benedict, et al., “Maternal Perinatal Risk Factors and Child Abuse,” Child Abuse and Neglect 9:217-224, 1985; P.G. Ney, “Relationship between Abortion and Child Abuse,” Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 24:610-620, 1979. See also Reardon, Aborted Women, Silent No More (Springfield, IL: Acorn Books, 2002) 129-30, which describes a case of woman who beat her three year old son to death shortly after an abortion which triggered a “psychotic episode” of grief, guilt, and misplaced anger.
26. Leach, “The Repeat Abortion Patient,” Family Planning Perspectives 9(1):37-39, 1977; S. Fischer, “Reflection on Repeated Abortions: The meanings and motivations,” Journal of Social Work Practice 2(2):70-87, 1986; B. Howe, et al., “Repeat Abortion, Blaming the Victims,” Am. J. of Public Health 69(12):1242-1246, 1979.21. David C. Reardon, “The Duty to Screen: Clinical, Legal, and Ethical Implications of Predictive Risk Factors of Post-Abortion Maladjustment,” The Journal of Contemporary Health Law and Policy 20(2):33-114, Spring 2004.
28.Quoted in Valerie Meehan “Hidden Pain: Silent No More” The American Feminist, Winter 2002 to 2003

 

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Teen Abortion Risks Fact Sheet

Abortion clinics’ youngest patients are more at risk for abortion-related health problems than their older counterparts. Here is a factsheet on teens and abortion complications.

Teen Abortion Risks: A Factsheet

“Parents are faced with a shell of a person and have no idea where they lost their child.”
— Terri, who had a secret abortion as a teen

Suicide attempts — 6 times more likely

— Teenagers are 6 times more likely to attempt suicide if they have had an abortion in the last six months than are teens who have not had an abortion.(1)

— Teens who abort are up to 4 times more likely to commit suicide than adults who abort,(2) and a history of abortion is likely to be associated with adolescent suicidal thinking.(3)

— Overall suicide rates are 6-7 times higher among women who abort.(4)

— Teens who abort are more likely to develop psychological problems,(5) and are nearly three times more likely to be admitted to mental health hospitals than teens in general.(6)

— About 40% of teen abortions take place with no parental involvement,(7) leaving parents in the dark about subsequent emotional or physical problems.

— Teens risk further injury or death because they are unlikely to inform parents of any physical complications.

Some examples of teens who died from complications or suicide after they had abortions without telling their parents: (8)

Holly Patterson, California, died at age 18
Erica Richardson, Maryland, died at age 16
Dawn Ravanell, New York, died at age 13
Tamia Russell, Detroit, died at age 15
Sandra Kaiser, St. Louis, died at age 14 of suicide

Sandra died 3 weeks after her half-sister took her for an abortion without telling Sandra’s mother, who could have warned doctors about Sandra’s history of psychological problems that put her at risk for more problems after abortion.(9)

— Teens are 5 times more likely to seek subsequent help for psychological and emotional problems compared to their peers who carry “unwanted pregnancies” to term.(10)

— Teens are 3 times more likely to report subsequent trouble sleeping, and nine times more likely to report subsequent marijuana use after abortion.(10)

— Among studies comparing abortion vs. carrying to term, worse outcomes are associated with abortion, even when the pregnancy is unplanned.(10)

— 65% higher risk of clinical depression among women who abort.(11)

— 65% experienced multiple symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among women who abort.(12)

— 64% of women who had undergone an abortion reported that they felt pressured by others to abort.(12)

Acute Pain. Infertility. Risk of Death. — Pain

Teens report more severe pain during the abortion procedure vs. adult women. One study of pain during 1st trimester abortions found severe acute pain comparable to childbirth or cancer. Pain scores were significantly higher for teens.(13)

— Lacerations up to twice as likely

Teens are up to twice as likely to experience dangerous cervical lacerations during abortion compared to older women, probably because they have smaller cervixes which are more difficult to dilate or grasp with instruments.(14)

— Infertility and life-threatening complications

Teens are at higher risk for post-abortion infections such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and endometritis because their bodies are more susceptible to infection and they are less likely than older women to follow instructions for medical care.(15) These infections increase their risk of infertility, hysterectomy, ectopic pregnancy, and other serious complications.(16)

— Breast cancer risk 30-50% higher

An early full-term birth reduces breast cancer risk by as much as 1/3, while abortion of a first pregnancy carries a 30-to 50% increased risk of breast cancer.(17) More than 90% of those who abort at 17 or younger have not had a previous full-term pregnancy, compared to 78% of patients age 18-19 and 49% of abortion patients overall.(18)

Teens are more likely to abort because of pressure from their parents or partner(19)

Teens more likely to report being misinformed in pre-abortion counseling(20)

Teens more likely to have riskier late-term abortions According to the CDC, approximately 30% of abortions among teens take place at 13 weeks gestation or greater, compared to only 12% among women in general.(21)

Late-term abortions are associated with …

— More severe psychological complications

This is often because the woman wants to continue the pregnancy but ends up aborting because of pressure from others or her circumstances.(22) Women who have 2nd-trimester abortions are more likely to express ambivalence, regret, moral or religious objections, and to have a more favorable attitude toward the unborn child than women having 1sttrimester abortions.(23)

— Higher risk of serious physical complications

Teens who abort in the 2nd and 3rd trimester face a greater risk of physical complications, including endometritis, intrauterine adhesions, PID, subsequent miscarriages, ectopic pregnancies, ruptured uterus, and death.(24)

— Trouble with later pregnancies for mother and baby D&E abortions, frequently used in the second trimester, are associated with low birth weight in later pregnancies, which can lead to health and developmental problems for the baby, including cerebral palsy.(25)

Grief, trauma and self-destructive outcomes

— Teens who abort are twice as likely as their peers to abuse alcohol, marijuana, or cocaine.(26)

— Teens have greater difficulty coping after abortion,(27) leading to problems such as suicide, psychological problems, substance abuse, and difficulty in relationships

— Negative effects on relationships and parenting. Teens who report “being particularly fond of children” do not do as well psychologically after an abortion.(28) Teenagers who have abortions often have problems regarding sexuality and parenting later in life.(29)

A lonely, traumatic experience. The abortion procedure itself is considered by many teenagers to be stressful and associated with feelings of guilt, depression, and a sense of isolation.(30)

A nightmare that doesn’t end. Teens are more likely to report severe nightmares and to score higher on scales measuring antisocial traits, paranoia, drug abuse, and psychotic delusions than are older abortion patients.(31)

Four times higher risk of repeat abortion. Teens who abort are likely to become pregnant again within the next few years.(32) Among pregnant teens, those who had had an abortion were at least 4 times more likely to abort.(33) For additional information on post-abortion research and links to published studies, visit www.afterabortion.org.

Citations

1. B. Garfinkel, et al., “Stress, Depression and Suicide: A Study of Adolescents in Minnesota,” Responding to High Risk Youth (University of Minnesota: Minnesota Extension Service, 1986)
2. M. Gissler, et. al., “Suicides After Pregnancy in Finland: 1987-94: register linkage study,” British Medical Journal, 313: 1431-1434, 1996; and N. Campbell, et. al., “Abortion in Adolescence,” Adolescence, 23:813-823, 1988.
3. B. Garfinkel, et al., op. cit.
4. M. Gissler, et. al., op. cit.
5. W. Franz & D. Reardon, “Differential Impact of Abortion on adolescents and adults,” Adolescence, 27 (105), 172, 1992.
6. R. Somers, “Risk of Admission to Psychiatric Institutions Among Danish Women Who Experienced Induced Abortion: An Analysis Based on National Report Linkage” (Ph.D. Dissertation, Los Angeles: University of California, 1979, Disseration Abstracts International, Public Health 2621-B, Order No. 7926066)
7. “Teenage Pregnancy: Overall Trends and State-by-State Information,” Report by the Alan Guttmmacher Institute, Washington, DC, www.agi.org.
8. S. Ertelt, “Woman Dies Following Use of RU-486 Abortion Drug,” posted at www.lifenews.com, Sept. 19, 2003; K. Sherlock, Victims of Choice (Akron: Brennyman Books, 1996) 31-32, 40-41; and P. Nowak, “Family of Detroit Girl Who Died From Abortion Speaks Out,” posted at www.lifenews.com/state504.html, April 9, 2004. 9. R. Kerrison, “Horror Tale of Abortion,” New York Post, Jan. 7, 1991.
10. PK Coleman, “Resolution of Unwanted Pregnancy During Adolescence Through Abortion Versus Childbirth: Individual and Family Predictors and Psychological Consequences,” Journal of Youth and Adolescence (2006).
11. JR Cougle, DC Reardon & PK Coleman, “Depression Associated With Abortion and Childbirth: A Long-Term Analysis of the NLSY Cohort,” Medical Science Monitor 9(4):CR105-112, 2003.
12. VM Rue et. al., “Induced abortion and traumatic stress: A preliminary comparison of American and Russian women,” Medical Science Monitor 10(10): SR5-16, 2004.
13. E. Belanger, et. al., “Pain of First Trimester Abortion: A Study of Psychosocial and Medical Predictors,” Pain, 36:339; and G.M. Smith, et. al., “Pain of first trimester abortion: Its quantification and relationships with other variables,” American Journal Obstetrics & Gynecology, 133:489, 1979.
14. R.T. Burkman, et. al., “Morbidity Risk Among Young Adolescents Undergoing Elective Abortion,” Contraception, 30(2):99, 1984; and K.F. Schulz, et. al., “Measures to Prevent Cervical Injury During Suction Curettage Abortion,” The Lancet, 1182-1184, May 28, 1993 .
15. R.T. Burkman, et. al., “Culture and treatment results in endometritis following elective abortion,” American J. Obstet. & Gynecol., 128:556, 1997; and D. Avonts and P. Piot, “Genital infections in women undergoing induced abortion,” European J. Obstet. & Gynecol. & Reproductive Biology, 20:53, 1985; and W. Cates, Jr., “Teenagers and Sexual Risk-Taking: The Best of Times and the Worst of Times,” Journal of Adolescent Health, 12:84, 1991.
16. “Teenage Pregnancy: Overall Trends and State-by-State Information,” Report by the Alan Guttmmacher Institute, Washington, DC, www.agi.org.
17. J. Brind, et. al., “Induced abortion as an independent risk factor for breast cancer: a comprehensive review and analysis,” J. Epidemiology & Community Health, 50:481, 1996.
18. K.D. Kochanck, “Induced Terminations of Pregnancy, Reporting States 1988,” Monthly Vital Statistics Report, 39(12): Suppl. 1-32, April 30, 1991.
19. P. Barglow and S. Weinstein, “Therapeutic Abortion During Adolescence: Psychiatric Observations,” Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 2(4):33, 1973.
20. W. Franz& D. Reardon, “Differential Impact of Abortion on adolescents and adults,” Adolescence, 27 (105), 172, 1992.
21. T. Strahan, “Differential Adverse Impact on Teenagers Who Undergo Induced Abortion,” Association for Interdisciplinary Research Bulletin, 15(1):3, March/April 2000.
22. D. Reardon, Making Abortion Rare (Springfield, IL: Acorn Books, 1996) 162.
23. T. Strahan, “Psycho-Social Aspects of Late-Term Abortions,” Assoc. For Interdisciplinary Research Bulletin, 14(4):1, 2000.
24. R.T. Burkman, et. al., “Culture and treatment results in endometritis following elective abortion,” American J. Obstet. & Gynecol., 128:556, 1997; and S. Lurie and Z. Shoham, “Induced Midtrimester Abortion and Future Fertility: Where Are We Today?” International J. of Fertility, 40(6):311, 1995.
25. H.K. Atrash and C.J. Hogue, “The effect of pregnancy termination on future reproduction,” Baillieres Clinic Obstet. & Gynecol., 4(2):391, 1990; and B. Rooney, “Is Cerebral Palsy Ever a Choice?” The Post-Abortion Review, 8(4):4-5, Oct.-Dec. 2000.
26. H. Amaro, et al., “Drug use among adolescent mothers: profile of risk,” Pediatrics, 84, 1989, 144-150.
27. Horowitz, “Adolescent Mourning Reactions to Infant and Fetal Loss,” Soc. Casework, 59:551, 1978.
28. E. M. Smith, “A follow-up study of women who request abortion,” American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 1973, 43: 574-585.
29. G. Zakus, G. & Wilday, “Adolescent Abortion Option.” Social Work in Health Care, 12, 1987, 77-91.
30. F. Biro, et al., “Acute and Long-Term Consequences of Adolescents Who Choose Abortions,” Pediatric Annals, 15(10):667-672, 1986.
31. N. Campbell, et. al., “Abortion in Adolescence,” Adolescence, 23:813-823, 1988.
32. S.R. Wheeler, “Adolescent Pregnancy Loss,” in J.R. Woods, Jr. and J.L. Woods (eds.), Loss During Pregnancy or the Newborn Period (1997); and H. Cvejic et. al., “Follow-up of 50 adolescent girls 2 years after abortion,” Canadian Medical Assoc. Journal, 116:44, 1997.
33. T. Joyce, “The Social and Economic Correlates of Pregnancy Resolution Among Adolescents in New York by Race and Ethnicity: A Mulitvariate Analysis,” American J. of Public Health, 78(6):626, 1988

 

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Abortion’s Harm to Women: Recent Research

A number of studies have been done recently that document abortion’s harm to women. This is a collection of them.

Recent Research: Abortion’s Harm to Women

62% Higher Risk of Death from All Causes, 2.5 Times Higher Risk of Suicide

Compared to women who give birth, women who abort have an elevated risk of death from all causes, which persists for at least eight years. Higher risk of death from suicide and accidents were most prominent. Projected on the national population, this effect may contribute to 2,000 – 5,000 more deaths among women each year.(1) Southern Medical Journal, 2002

3.5 Times Higher Death Rates from Suicide, Accidents, Homicides (Suicide 6 Times Higher)

Researchers examining deaths among the entire population of women in Finland found that those who had abortions had a 3.5 times higher death rate from suicide, accidents, or homicides in the following year. Suicide rates among aborting women were six times higher compared to women who gave birth and two times higher compared to women who miscarried.(2) European Journal of Public Health, 2005

Abortion Deaths Underreported on Death Certificates

A study of medical records in Finland found that 94 % of maternal deaths associated with abortion are not identifiable from death certificates alone. The researchers found that linking death certificates to medical records showed that the death rate associated with abortion is three times higher than that associated with childbirth.(3) Paediatric Perinatal Epidemiology, 2004

65% Suffered Trauma, 31% Had Health Complications

In this study comparing American and Russian women who had experienced abortion, 65% of American women studied experienced multiple symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which they attributed to their abortions. Slightly over 14% reported all the symptoms necessary for a clinical diagnosis of abortion induced PTSD, and 84% said they did not receive adequate counseling.(4) 31% had health complications afterward. Medical Science Monitor, 2004

64% Involve Coercion, 84% Not Fully Informed

In the above study comparing American and Russian women who had experienced abortion, 64% of American women reported that they felt pressured by others to abort.5 84% said they did not receive adequate counseling.(4) Medical Science Monitor, 2004

Higher Rates of Depression, Substance Abuse, Suicidal Behavior After Abortion

In a New Zealand study, women who had abortions subsequently experienced higher rates of substance abuse, anxiety disorders, and suicidal behavior than women who had not had abortions, even after controlling for pre-existing conditions. Approximately 42% of women with a history of abortion had experienced major depression in the last four years (nearly double the rate of women who had not been pregnant and 35% higher than those who carried to term).(6) Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 2006 Significantly Higher Risk of Clinical Depression

Compared to women who carry their first unintended pregnancies to term, women who abort their first pregnancies are at significantly higher risk of clinical depression as measured an average of eight years after their first pregnancies.(7) British Medical Journal, 2002

65% Higher Risk of Clinical Depression

Analysis of a federally funded longitudinal study of American women revealed that women who aborted were 65% more likely to be at risk of long-term clinical depression after controlling for age, race, education, marital status, history of divorce, income, and prior psychiatric state.(8) Medical Science Monitor, 2003

30% Higher Risk of Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Researchers compared women who had no prior history of anxiety and who had experienced a first, unintended pregnancy. Women who aborted were 30% more likely to subsequently report all the symptoms associated with a diagnosis for generalized anxiety disorder, compared to women who carried to term.(9)Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 2005

Five Times Higher Risk of Substance Abuse

Women who abort are five times more likely to report subsequent drug or alcohol abuse than women who deliver.(10) American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 2000 Unintended First Pregnancies: Increased Substance Abuse if Women Abort

Among women who had unintended first pregnancies, those who had abortions were more likely to report, an average of four years later, more frequent and recent use of alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine than women who gave birth. This is the first study to compare substance abuse rates among women who had unintended pregnancies.(11) American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 2004

Nearly Twice as Likely to Be Treated for Sleep Disorders, Which Are Often Trauma-Related

In a record based study of nearly 57,000 women with no known history of sleep disorders, women were more likely to be treated for sleep disorders after having an abortion compared to giving birth. Aborting women were nearly twice as likely to be treated for sleep disorders in the first 180 days after the pregnancy ended compared to delivering women. Numerous studies have shown that trauma victims will often experience sleep difficulties.(12) Sleep, 2006

Records-Based Study Indicates More Outpatient Psychiatric Care

Analysis of California Medicaid records shows that women who have abortions subsequently require significantly more treatments for psychiatric illness through outpatient care.(13) American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 2002

160% More Likely to be Hospitalized for Psychiatric Treatment

A review of the medical records of 56,741 California Medicaid patients revealed that women who had abortions were 160% more likely than delivering women to be hospitalized for psychiatric treatment in the first 90 days following abortion or delivery. Psychiatric treatment rates remained significantly higher for at least four years.(14) Canadian Medical Association Journal, 2003

Screening for Known Risk Factors Would Dramatically Reduce Abortions

This study is an analysis of 63 medical studies that identify risk factors that predict negative psychological reactions to abortion. The review concludes that the number of women suffering from negative emotional reactions to abortion could be dramatically reduced if abortion clinics screened women for these risk factors.(15) The Journal of Contemporary Health Law and Policy, 2004

Subsequent Children Are Negatively Affected

The children of women who had abortions have less supportive home environments and more behavioral problems than children of women without a history of abortion. This finding supports the view that abortion may negatively affect bonding with subsequent children, disturb mothering skills, and otherwise impact a woman’s psychological stability.(16) Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 2002

Drug Abuse During Subsequent Pregnancies Five Times More Likely

Among women delivering their first pregnancy, women with a history of abortion are five times more likely to use illicit drugs and two times more likely to use alcohol during their pregnancies. This substance use places their unborn children at risk of birth defects, low birth weight, and death.(17) American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dec. 2002

Increased Smoking and Drug Abuse During Subsequent Pregnancies

A study of women who had just given birth found that compared to women who had experienced other types of pregnancy loss or had never had an abortion, women who had previously had an abortion are more likely to smoke, drink alcohol, or use marijuana, cocaine, or other illegal drugs during pregnancy.(18) British Journal of Health Psychology, 2005

95% Want To Be Fully Informed of All Statistically Associated Risks

Women considering elective surgery, such as abortion, consider all information about physical or psychological risks to be very relevant to their decisions. Fully 95 percent of patients wished to be informed of all risks statistically associated with a procedure, even if the causal connection between the procedure and risk has not been fully proven. (This finding is especially relevant to abortion providers who assert that, without proof that abortion directly causes problems such as depression or breast cancer, women would prefer not to be given such “worrisome” and “unnecessary” information.)(19) Journal of Medical Ethics, 2006

Teens Have More Mental Health Problems After Abortion, Even With Unplanned Pregnancies

A nationally representative study found that adolescent girls who abort unintended pregnancies are five times more likely to seek subsequent help for psychological and emotional problems compared to their peers who carry unintended pregnancies to term, after controlling for previous mental health history, family situations and other factors that might influence mental health. Teens who aborted were also three times more likely to report having trouble sleeping and nine times more likely to report subsequent marijuana use. (20) Journal of Youth & Adolescence, 2006

Abortion Increases Risk of Later Miscarriage by 60%

Researchers in the U.K. surveyed women ages 18 to 55 about their reproductive histories, lifestyles and relationships and found that women who had a previous abortion had a 60 percent higher risk of miscarriage during a subsequent pregnancy.(21) BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2006

The Elliot Institute was involved in many of the studies listed above. For more comprehensive information, including links to some of the published studies, visit www.afterabortion.org/news. Citations

1. DC Reardon et. al., “Deaths Associated With Pregnancy Outcome: A Record Linkage Study of Low Income Women,” Southern Medical Journal 95(8):834-41, Aug. 2002.
2. M. Gissler et. al., “Injury deaths, suicides and homicides associated with pregnancy, Finland 1987-2000,” European J. Public Health 15(5):459-63, 2005.
3. M. Gissler, et. al., “Methods for identifying pregnancyassociated deaths: populationbased data from Finland 1987-2000,” Paediatric Perinatal Epidemiology 18(6): 44855, Nov. 2004.
4. VM Rue et. al., “Induced abortion and traumatic stress: A preliminary comparison of American and Russian women,” Medical Science Monitor 10(10): SR5-16, 2004.
5. Ibid.
6. David M. Fergusson, et. al., “Abortion in young women and subsequent mental health,” Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry 47(1):16-24, 2006.
7. DC Reardon, JR Cougle, “Depression and Unintended Pregnancy in the National Longitudinal Study of Youth: A Cohort Study,” British Medical Journal 324:151-2, 2002.
8. JR Cougle, DC Reardon & PK Coleman, “Depression Associated With Abortion and Childbirth: A Long-Term Analysis of the NLSY Cohort,” Medical Science Monitor 9(4):CR105-112, 2003.
9. JR Cougle, DC Reardon, PK Coleman, “Generalized Anxiety Following Unintended Pregnancies Resolved Through Childbirth and Abortion: A Cohort Study of the 1995 National Survey of Family Growth,” Journal of Anxiety Disorders 19:137-142 (2005).
10. DC Reardon, PG Ney, “Abortion and Subsequent Substance Abuse,” American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse 26(1):61-75, 2000.
11. D.C. Reardon, P.K. Coleman, and J.R. Cougle, “Substance use associated with unintended pregnancy outcomes in the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth,” American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse 26(1):369-383, 2004.
12. DC Reardon and PK Coleman, “Relative Treatment Rates for Sleep Disorders and Sleep Disturbances Following Abortion and Childbirth: A Prospective Record Based-Study,” Sleep 29(1):105-106, 2006.
13. PK Coleman et. al., “State-Funded Abortions Versus Deliveries: A Comparison of Outpatient Mental Health Claims Over Four Years,” American Journal of Orthopsychiatry 72(1):141-152, 2002.
14. DC Reardon et. al., “Psychiatric Admissions of Low-Income Women Following Abortions and Childbirth,” Canadian Medical Association Journal 168(10): May 13, 2003. 15. David C. Reardon, “The Duty to Screen: Clinical, Legal, and Ethical Implications of Predictive Risk Factors of Post-Abortion Maladjustment,” The Journal of Contemporary Health Law and Policy 20(2):33-114, Spring 2004.
16. PK Coleman, DC Reardon, & JR Cougle, “The Quality of the Caregiving Environment and Child Developmental Outcomes Associated with Maternal History of Abortion Using the NLSY Data,” Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry 43(6):743-57, 2002.
17. PK Coleman et. al., “A History of Induced Abortion in Relation to Substance Abuse During Subsequent Pregnancies Carried to Term,” American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 1673-8, Dec. 2002.
18. PK Coleman, DC Reardon, JR Cougle, “Substance use among pregnant women in the context of previous reproductive loss and desire for current pregnancy,” British Journal of Health Psychology 10, 255-268, 2005.
19. PK Coleman, DC Reardon, MB Lee, “Women’s preferences for information and complication seriousness ratings related to elective medical procedures,” Journal of Medical Ethics, 32:435-438 (2006).
20. PK Coleman, “Resolution of Unwanted Pregnancy During Adolescence Through Abortion Versus Childbirth: Individual and Family Predictors and Psychological Consequences,” Journal of Youth and Adolescence (2006).
21. N. Maconochie, P. Doyle, S. Prior, R. Simmons, “Risk factors for first trimester miscarriage: results from a UK-population-based case control study,” BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Dec 2006. Abstract available at www.blackwell-synergy.com.

 

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