Abortion has been a contentious issue around the world for decades, with opinions on both sides of the debate rooted in personal, religious, or political beliefs.

However, while the social and ethical implications of abortion are often the center of attention, the consequences of this procedure on women’s mental and physical health are often underestimated or ignored.

The Physical Health Consequences of Abortion

Although abortion is considered a safe medical procedure when performed legally, like any invasive surgery, it carries potential health risks for the woman undergoing it, and these risks might manifest immediately or years after the procedure.

Bleeding and Infection

Following an abortion, it is common for a woman to experience bleeding and cramping for a few days. However, if the bleeding is heavy and prolonged, and accompanied by foul-smelling discharge and fever, it could be a sign of infection.

If left untreated, infection can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening condition. Therefore, it is crucial for women who undergo an abortion to watch out for any signs of complications and seek medical help at once.

Cervical Damage

Cervical incompetence is one of the most common long-term risks associated with abortion.

The procedure can cause physical damage to the cervix, which increases a woman’s risk of premature birth, cervical insufficiency, and the inability to carry a future pregnancy to term.

Emotional Fallout

While physical consequences are the most evident risks of this procedure, the unsaid or unacknowledged mental health effects on the woman cannot be ignored.

The emotional toll an abortion can have on a woman is profound, and the consequences are unique to everyone. However, studies suggest consistent evidence that there exist signs of depression, anxiety and simultaneously lowered self-esteem.

The Psychological Fallout of Abortion

Abortion has significant psychological repercussions on women that bridge long after the operation due to the emotional attachment, maternal instinct and immeasurable expectations from them.

Depression and Anxiety

Women who have undergone an abortion are at a higher risk of developing anxiety, depression, and stress disorders. The trauma of ending a life or of being a helpless victim of circumstance can lead to a host of psychological issues.

The lack of support or in some cases condemnation from society following the procedures can further exacerbate these consequences.

Substance Abuse

Women who undergo abortion have a higher likelihood of developing substance abuse issues, such as alcoholism, drug addiction, or smoking; as a means of coping with the aftermath.

Studies suggest that women who had abortions tend to be more likely to smoke than their non-aborting peers.

Prolonged Grief Disorder

Many women develop long-standing grief disorders after aborting their unborn child. It is often downplayed, or society assumes that since no physical remains are visible, it is easier to move on.

The emotional and psychological scars, however, do not heal with time for these women. The guilt or regret can be overwhelming and lead to a cycle of perpetually hurting emotional state.

The Societal Consequences Of Abortion On Women

Besides the physical and psychological impacts of abortion, its impact on society and culture is equally significant.

The Devaluation Of Life

Abortion has led to a devaluation of the sanctity of life.

While pro-choice advocates often argue that it is a woman’s choice to do what she wishes with her own body, the underlying message is that it is acceptable to terminate a pregnancy and disregard the life of an innocent child. Over time, this mentality could cause a decline in compassion, empathy, and human values, where every individual is worthy of respect and dignity.

The Endorsement of casual sexual behavior

One of the resulting consequences of abortion is the normalization of casual or flippant sexual choices.

When society advocates for the ability to terminate a pregnancy without consequences, it reduces the value of sexual intimacy between partners, which should be founded on love, respect, and trust. This degrades the traditional values of relationships, and sets a precedent for impulsive sexual behaviour than respecting the sanctity of mutual trust and intimacy between partners.

Legal Justification of Inadequate Sexual Education

Abortion can create the premise for risk-taking sexual behavior with little or no understanding of consequences. A woman may go through multiple abortions, causing long term debilitating damage, instead of focusing on preventive measures.

The ease of access to a “quick fix” solution might lead to the underlying issues of poor sexual education being out of the spotlight.

Conclusion

Abortion carries with it various physical, psychological, and societal effects for women that cannot be ignored. The risks associated with this procedure run deep on both health and societal levels.

Instead of ignoring or hiding these risks, we must acknowledge, discuss, and offer resources to women who may be dealing with the short and long-term ramifications of this procedure.