Misplaced Pages

Abortion and mental health: Difference between revisions

Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.
Browse history interactively← Previous editNext edit →Content deleted Content addedVisualWikitext
Revision as of 21:40, 28 January 2008 editFishiehelper2 (talk | contribs)13,440 edits slight change - joining two sentences using 'while' as the conjunctive← Previous edit Revision as of 23:12, 28 January 2008 edit undoPhotouploaded (talk | contribs)2,325 edits rv POV-pushing per editors' comments at TalkNext edit →
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Totallydisputed|date=January 2008}} {{Totallydisputed|date=January 2008}}
{{AbortionDebate}} {{AbortionDebate}}
Research on the relationship between '''abortion and mental health''' indicates that ] is associated with positive or neutral effects on ] while some ] advocates claim that there is evidence of a "]", where negative psychological effects are purported to follow abortion. No major medical association recognizes such a ]. The validity of the claim is disputed by ]s, ]s, and ] advocates. Research on the relationship between '''abortion and mental health''' indicates that ] is associated with positive or neutral effects on ]. Some ] advocates claim that there is evidence of a "]", where negative psychological effects are purported to follow abortion. No major medical association recognizes such a ]. The validity of the claim is disputed by ]s, ]s, and ] advocates.


==Potential neutral or positive psychological effects of abortion== ==Potential neutral or positive psychological effects of abortion==
Line 16: Line 16:
|journal=Ann. Intern. Med. |volume=140 |issue=8 |pages=620–6 |year=2004 |pmid=15096333 |journal=Ann. Intern. Med. |volume=140 |issue=8 |pages=620–6 |year=2004 |pmid=15096333
}} Key summary points: ''"Abortion does not lead to an increased risk for breast cancer or other late psychiatric or medical sequelae."'' On p. 624, the authors state: ''"The alleged 'postabortion trauma syndrome' does not exist."''</ref> PAS is not listed in the ], and neither the ] nor ] recognize it. Some ]s and pro-choice advocates have argued that attempts to popularize the term "post-abortion syndrome" are a tactic used by pro-life advocates for political purposes.<ref name=stotland_15985924 /><ref name=stotland_1404747>Stotland NL. The myth of the abortion trauma syndrome. JAMA. 1992 Oct 21;268(15):2078-9. PMID 1404747.</ref><ref>Cooper, Cynthia L. </ref><ref name="JSoc2">{{cite journal |author=Russo NF, Denious JE |title=Controlling birth: science, politics, and public policy |journal=J Soc Issues |volume=61 |issue=1 |pages=181–91 |year=2005 |pmid=17073030}}</ref> }} Key summary points: ''"Abortion does not lead to an increased risk for breast cancer or other late psychiatric or medical sequelae."'' On p. 624, the authors state: ''"The alleged 'postabortion trauma syndrome' does not exist."''</ref> PAS is not listed in the ], and neither the ] nor ] recognize it. Some ]s and pro-choice advocates have argued that attempts to popularize the term "post-abortion syndrome" are a tactic used by pro-life advocates for political purposes.<ref name=stotland_15985924 /><ref name=stotland_1404747>Stotland NL. The myth of the abortion trauma syndrome. JAMA. 1992 Oct 21;268(15):2078-9. PMID 1404747.</ref><ref>Cooper, Cynthia L. </ref><ref name="JSoc2">{{cite journal |author=Russo NF, Denious JE |title=Controlling birth: science, politics, and public policy |journal=J Soc Issues |volume=61 |issue=1 |pages=181–91 |year=2005 |pmid=17073030}}</ref>

A study of 155 women seeking voluntary induced abortion sought to investigate whether different forms of pain control had a different effect on pain and psychological distress, including rates post-traumatic stress disorder, after the abortion. The authors found that cortisol levels are elevated in women who chose a local anesthetic and that while the choice of anesthetic "does not appear to impact on longer-term psychiatric outcomes or functional status" psychologiclal distress was prevelent among both groups of women.<ref name="SA"> {{cite journal |author=Suliman S, Ericksen T, Labuschgne P, de Wit R, Stein DJ, Seedat S |title=Comparison of pain, cortisol levels, and psychological distress in women undergoing surgical termination of pregnancy under local anaesthesia versus intravenous sedation |journal=BMC Psychiatry |volume=7 |issue= |pages=24 |year=2007 |pmid=17565666 |doi=10.1186/1471-244X-7-24}}</ref> Specifically, they found that 11.4% of women met the criteria for a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) prior to their abortions and that the overal rate of PTSD among the sample rose to 18.2% three months after their abortions, a rise of 61%. However, rates of depression and anxiety were lower after abortion than immediately before. In discussing their findings, the authors write that "Presently the weight of evidence suggests that abortion does not cause lasting negative consequences," but that from their findings regarding mid-term PTSD reactions "t would follow that screening women pre-termination for PTSD and disability and post-termination for high levels of dissociation is important in order to help identify women at risk of PTSD and to provide follow-up care."<ref name="SA"/>


A few studies suggest that abortion can be associated with short-term negative psychological effects in a minority of people.<ref name=Zabin> Zabin, L.S., Hirsch, M.B., Emerson, M.R. (1989). . Family Planning Perspectives, 21 (6), 248-55. Retrieved September 8, 2006.</ref><ref name=russo /><ref name=schmiege /> A few studies suggest that abortion can be associated with short-term negative psychological effects in a minority of people.<ref name=Zabin> Zabin, L.S., Hirsch, M.B., Emerson, M.R. (1989). . Family Planning Perspectives, 21 (6), 248-55. Retrieved September 8, 2006.</ref><ref name=russo /><ref name=schmiege />


While some studies have shown a ] between abortion and ], ], ]s, or adverse effects on ]s for a small number of people, these correlations may be explained by pre-existing social circumstances and emotional health.<ref>'']''. </ref> According to the ], various factors, such as emotional attachment to the pregnancy, lack of support, and ] views on abortion, may increase the likelihood of experiencing negative reactions.<ref name="APA89"/> Studies have either failed to establish a ] between abortion and negative psychological symptoms, or been inconclusive.<ref>American Psychological Association. "APA research review finds no evidence of 'post-abortion syndrome' but research studies on psychological effects of abortion inconclusive." Press release, January 18, 1989.</ref> While some studies have shown a ] between abortion and ], ], ]s, or adverse effects on ]s for a small number of people, these correlations may be explained by pre-existing social circumstances and emotional health.<ref>'']''. </ref> According to the ], various factors, such as emotional attachment to the pregnancy, lack of support, and ] views on abortion, may increase the likelihood of experiencing negative reactions.<ref name="APA89"/> Studies have either failed to establish a ] between abortion and negative psychological symptoms, or been inconclusive.<ref>American Psychological Association. "APA research review finds no evidence of 'post-abortion syndrome' but research studies on psychological effects of abortion inconclusive." Press release, January 18, 1989.</ref>

==Reactions Associated With Abortion==
Although many studies have found a significant statistical association between abortion negative emotional reactions, no irrefutable causal link has been proven to show that abortion itself causes the reactions which are statistically associated with it. In other words, negative reactions may be incidental to abortion, not caused by abortion. It may be that women who are predisposed to have these emotional problems are also more predisposed to have abortions. In any event, the following emotional and mental health problems are statistically associated with abortion.
<ul>
<li>Guilt<ref name=Broen/><ref name=Gomez/><ref name=Bianchi-Demicheli></ref><ref name=Kero></ref><ref>, France</ref><ref name=Casey> Portugal</ref>
<li>Anxiety<ref name=Broen/><ref name=Bianchi-Demicheli/><ref name=Kero/><ref name=Casey/>
<li>Depression<ref name=Casey/><ref>, Norway</ref>
<li>Sleep disorders<ref>DC Reardon and PK Coleman, Sleep 29(1):105-106, 2006.</ref>
</li>
<li>Anniversary reactions<ref name=Franco></ref>
</li>
<li>Elevated risk of suicide<ref> Gissler M. et al. BMJ. 1996 Dec 7;313(7070):1431-4. </ref> </li>
<li>Bi-polar disorder <ref>Reardon DC, Cougle JR, Rue VM, Shuping MW, Coleman PK, Ney PG. Can Med Assoc J. CMAJ 2003; 168(10):1253-7.</ref> </li>



</ul>

Peer reviwed studies have shown that some women are more likely than others to report emotional or mental health problems after an abortion. The statistically associated risk factors include:
* Low self-efficacy for coping with the abortion<ref>Major, B., Cozzarelli, C., Sciacchitano, A.M., Cooper, M.L., Testa, M., & Mueller, P.M. (1990). . ''Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 59'', 186-197.</ref>
* Low self-esteem<ref>Cozzarelli, C., Karrasch, A., Sumer, N., & Major, B. (1994). The meaning and impact of partner's accompaniment on women's adjustment to abortion. ''Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 24'', 2028-2056.</ref>
* External locus of control<ref>Cozzarelli, C. (1993). . ''Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 65'', 1224-1236.</ref>
* Difficulty with the decision to have an abortion<ref>Bracken, M.B. (1978). A causal model of psychosomatic reactions to vacuum aspiration abortion. Social Psychiatry, 13, 135-145.</ref><ref>Osofsky, J.D., & Osofsky, H.J. (1972). . ''American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 42'', 48-60.</ref>
* When there is emotional investment in the pregnancy <ref>Lyndon, J., Dunkel-Schetter, C., Cohan, C.L., & Pierce, T. (1996). . ''Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 71'', 141-151.</ref><ref>Remennick, L.I., & Segal, R. (2001). . ''Culture, Health, and Sexuality, 3'', 49-66.</ref>
* Perceptions of one's partner, family members, or friends as non-supportive<ref>Major ''et al.'' (1990).</ref><ref>Major, B., & Cozzarelli, C. (1992). Psychological predictors of adjustment to abortion. ''Journal of Social Issues, 48'', 121-142.</ref>
* Timing during adolescence, being unmarried, or poor<ref>Adler, N.E. (1975). Emotional responses of women following therapeutic abortion: How great a problem? ''Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 6'', 240-259.</ref><ref>Bracken, M.B., Hachamovitch, M., & Grossman, G. (1974). . ''Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 158'', 155-161.</ref><ref>Campbell, N., Franco, K., & Jurs, S. (1988). . ''Adolescence, 23'', 813-823.</ref>
* A poor or insecure attachment relationship with one's mother or a childhood history of separation from one's mother for a year or more before age 16<ref>Cozzarelli, C., Sumer, N., & Major, B. (1998). . ''Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 74'', 453-467.</ref><ref>Kitamura, T., Toda, M.A., Shima, S., & Sugawara, M. (1998). . ''Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology, 19'', 126-134.</ref><ref>Payne, E., Kravitz, A., Notman, M., & Anderson, J. (1976). . ''Archives of General Psychiatry, 33'', 725-733.</ref>
* Involvement in violent relationships<ref>Allanson, S., & Astbury, J. (2001). Attachment style and broken attachments: Violence, pregnancy, and abortion. ''Australian Journal of Psychology, 53'', 146-151.</ref><ref>Russo, N., & Denious, J.E. (2001). Violence in the lives of women having abortions: Implications for policy and practice. ''Professional Psychology Research and Practice, 32'', 142-150.</ref>
* Traditional sex-role orientations<ref>Gold, D., Berger, C., & Andres, D. (1979). ''The abortion choice: Psychological determinants and consequences''. Concordia University, Department of Psychology, Montreal.</ref>
* Conservative views of abortion and/or religious affiliation<ref>Bogen, I. (1974). . ''Journal of Sex Research, 10'', 97-109.</ref><ref>Osofsky & Osofsky (1972)</ref><ref>Soderberg, H., Janzon, L., & Slosberg, N.-O. (1998). : A study of its incidence and determinants among adoptees in Malmo, Sweden. ''European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, 79'', 173-178.</ref>
* When a pregnancy is initially intended<ref>Ashton, J. (1980). . ''British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 87'', 1115-1122.</ref><ref>Friedman, C., Greenspan, R., & Mittleman, F. (1974). . ''American Journal of Psychiatry, 131'', 1332-1337.</ref><ref>Lazarus, A. (1985). Psychiatric sequelae of legalized first trimester abortion. ''Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology, 4'', 141-150.</ref><ref>Major, B., Mueller, P., & Hildebrandt, K. (1985). . ''Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 48'', 585-599.</ref><ref>Miller, W.B. (1992). . ''Journal of Social Issues, 48'', 67-93.</ref>
* Abortion during the second trimester<ref>Anthanasiou, R., Oppel, W., Michelson, L., Unger, T., & Yager, M. (1973). . ''Family Planning Perspectives, 5'', 227-231.</ref>
* When the woman is in an unstable partner relationship<ref>Llewellyn, S.P., & Pytches, R. (1988). . ''Journal of Advanced Nursing, 51'', 468-471.</ref><ref>Soderberg, H., Andersson, C., Janzon, L., & Slosberg, N.-O. (1997). . ''Act Obstetrica Gynecologica Scandinavia, 76'', 942-947.</ref><ref>Söderberg H, Janzon L, Sjöberg NO. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 1998 Aug;79(2):173-8.
</ref>
* Being forced into abortion by one's partner, others, or by life circumstances<ref>Friedman, et. al (1974)</ref>

In 2006, a team of researchers at the ] in New Zealand, published results relating to abortion reactions from a longitudinal study tracking approximately 500 women from birth to 25 years of age. Information was obtained on: a) the history of pregnancy/abortion for female participants over the interval from 15-25 years; b) measures of ] mental disorders and suicidal behaviour over the intervals 15-18, 18-21 and 21-25 years; and c) childhood, family and related confounding factors. The study concluded that compared to other women in the group those who had an abortion were subsequently more likely to have "mental health problems including depression, anxiety, suicidal behaviours and substance use disorders. This association persisted after adjustment for confounding factors." The authors wrote, "The findings suggest that abortion in young women may be associated with increased risks of mental health problems," and "on the basis of the current study, it is our view that the issue of whether or not abortion has harmful effects on mental health remains to be fully resolved."<ref name="NZ">Fergusson, D.M., Horwood, L.J., & Ridden, E.M. (2006. . ''Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 47''(1), 16-24.</ref>


==Studies== ==Studies==
Line 65: Line 26:


===1987-1990 APA Task Force Review=== ===1987-1990 APA Task Force Review===
When Koop was assigned to review information on abortion, he invited input from any individuals and organizations with material to present."<ref name=koopadvice /><ref name="APA89">Adler NE, David HP, Major BN, Roth SH, Russo NF, Wyatt GE. "Psychological responses after abortion." Science, April 1990, 248: 41-44. </ref> The American Psychological Association Division on Population and Environmental Psychology prepared and presented to Koop their own summary of the literature and recommendations for his report. After Koop refused to issue the findings, division members published a synthesis of their own findings in which they concluded that "Case studies have established that some women experience severe distress or psychopathology after abortion" but "severe negative reactions are infrequent in the immediate and short-term aftermath, particularly for first-trimester abortions. Women who are terminating pregnancies that are wanted and personally meaningful, who lack support from their partner or parents for the abortion, or who have more conflicting feelings or are less sure of their decision before hand may be a relatively higher risk for negative consequences." When Koop was assigned to review information on abortion, he invited input from any individuals and organizations with material to present."<ref name=koopadvice /><ref name="APA89">Adler NE, David HP, Major BN, Roth SH, Russo NF, Wyatt GE. "Psychological responses after abortion." Science, April 1990, 248: 41-44. </ref> The American Psychological Association Division on Population and Environmental Psychology prepared and presented to Koop their own summary of the literature and recommendations for his report. After Koop refused to issue the findings, division members published a synthesis of their own findings in which they concluded that "The weight of the evidence does not pose a psychological hazard for most women."<ref name="APA89">Adler NE, David HP, Major BN, Roth SH, Russo NF, Wyatt GE. "Psychological responses after abortion." Science, April 1990, 248: 41-44. </ref>
<ref name="APA89">Adler NE, David HP, Major BN, Roth SH, Russo NF, Wyatt GE. "Psychological responses after abortion." Science, April 1990, 248: 41-44. </ref>


The task force further concluded that "research with diverse samples, different measures of response, and different times of assessment have come to similar conclusions. The time of greatest distress is likely to be before the abortion. Severe negative reactions after abortions are rare and can best be understood in the framework of coping with normal life stress," and that "The weight of the evidence does not pose a psychological hazard for most women." <ref name="APA89"/> The task force concluded that "research with diverse samples, different measures of response, and different times of assessment have come to similar conclusions. The time of greatest distress is likely to be before the abortion. Severe negative reactions after abortions are rare and can best be understood in the framework of coping with normal life stress."<ref name="APA89"/>


Nancy Adler, professor of psychology at the ], has testified on behalf of the APA that "severe negative reactions are rare and are in line with those following other normal life stresses."<ref> by Nancy Adler</ref> Nancy Adler, professor of psychology at the ], has testified on behalf of the APA that "severe negative reactions are rare and are in line with those following other normal life stresses."<ref> by Nancy Adler</ref>
Line 75: Line 35:


===Journal of the American Medical Association=== ===Journal of the American Medical Association===
Psychiatrist Nada Stotland of the ], current president of the American Psychiatric Association, argued in a 1992 commentary published in the '']'' (JAMA): "There is no evidence of an abortion-trauma syndrome.”<ref name=stotland_1404747 /> To support her thesis, she cited research showing that only 11% of patients had significant short term emotional problems related to their abortions.<ref>Ibid, citing B. Lask, "Short-term psychiatric sequelae to therapeutic termination of pregnancy," Br J Psychiatry. 1975; 126:173-177 (1975).</ref> In 2003, Stotland wrote, "Currently, there are active attempts to convince the public and women considering abortion that abortion frequently has negative psychiatric consequences. This assertion is not borne out by the literature: the vast majority of women tolerate abortion without psychiatric sequelae."<ref name=stotland_15985924 /> Psychiatrist Nada Stotland of the ], current vice president of the American Psychiatric Association, argued in a 1992 commentary published in the '']'' (JAMA): "There is no evidence of an abortion-trauma syndrome.”<ref name=stotland_1404747 /> In 2003, Stotland wrote, "Currently, there are active attempts to convince the public and women considering abortion that abortion frequently has negative psychiatric consequences. This assertion is not borne out by the literature: the vast majority of women tolerate abortion without psychiatric sequelae."<ref name=stotland_15985924 />


==References== ==References==

Revision as of 23:12, 28 January 2008

Template:Totallydisputed

Abortion
Main topics
Movements
Issues
By country
Africa
Asia
Europe
North America
Oceania
South America
Law
Methods
Religion

Research on the relationship between abortion and mental health indicates that abortion is associated with positive or neutral effects on mental health. Some pro-life advocates claim that there is evidence of a "post-abortion syndrome", where negative psychological effects are purported to follow abortion. No major medical association recognizes such a syndrome. The validity of the claim is disputed by physicians, researchers, and pro-choice advocates.

Potential neutral or positive psychological effects of abortion

Studies have indicated that those who have undergone abortion have experienced positive or no change to their mental health and well-being. A 1989 study of teenagers who sought pregnancy tests found that counting from the beginning of pregnancy until two years later, the level of stress and anxiety of those who had an abortion did not differ from that of those who had not been pregnant or who had carried their pregnancy to term. Another study in 1992 found that having one abortion was positively associated with higher global self-esteem, particularly feelings of self-worth, capableness, and not feeling one is a failure. It also noted that adverse emotional reactions to the abortion are influenced by pre-existing psychological conditions and other negative factors and, furthermore, that well-being was separately and positively related to employment, income, and education, but negatively related to total number of children. In a 2005 US study, the evidence was inconclusive as to whether abortion as compared to completion of an undesired first pregnancy was related to increased risk of depression.</ref>

Potential negative psychological effects of abortion

Post-abortion syndrome

Post-abortion syndrome (PAS) is a term used to describe a set of adverse psychopathological characteristics, with possible connections to post-traumatic stress disorder, which are proposed to occur in a small percentage of those who undergo an induced abortion, following the procedure. Primarily a term used by pro-life advocates, PAS is not a medically recognized syndrome; PAS is not listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, and neither the American Psychological Association nor American Psychiatric Association recognize it. Some physicians and pro-choice advocates have argued that attempts to popularize the term "post-abortion syndrome" are a tactic used by pro-life advocates for political purposes.

A few studies suggest that abortion can be associated with short-term negative psychological effects in a minority of people.

While some studies have shown a correlation between abortion and clinical depression, anxiety, suicidal behaviors, or adverse effects on sexual functions for a small number of people, these correlations may be explained by pre-existing social circumstances and emotional health. According to the American Psychological Association, various factors, such as emotional attachment to the pregnancy, lack of support, and conservative views on abortion, may increase the likelihood of experiencing negative reactions. Studies have either failed to establish a causal relationship between abortion and negative psychological symptoms, or been inconclusive.

Studies

United States Surgeon General

American Surgeon General C. Everett Koop, who describes himself as pro-life, conducted a study of the medical and psychological impact of abortion on the patient, while he was in office. Koop summarized his findings in a letter to Ronald Reagan by saying that the psychological effects were "minuscule". Koop refused to publish the study, which was later found to have to have concluded that the procedure has no long-term mental health effects.

1987-1990 APA Task Force Review

When Koop was assigned to review information on abortion, he invited input from any individuals and organizations with material to present." The American Psychological Association Division on Population and Environmental Psychology prepared and presented to Koop their own summary of the literature and recommendations for his report. After Koop refused to issue the findings, division members published a synthesis of their own findings in which they concluded that "The weight of the evidence does not pose a psychological hazard for most women."

The task force concluded that "research with diverse samples, different measures of response, and different times of assessment have come to similar conclusions. The time of greatest distress is likely to be before the abortion. Severe negative reactions after abortions are rare and can best be understood in the framework of coping with normal life stress."

Nancy Adler, professor of psychology at the University of California, San Francisco, has testified on behalf of the APA that "severe negative reactions are rare and are in line with those following other normal life stresses."

In 2007, APA established a new task force to review studies on abortion published since 1989. The new task force report is expected to be published in 2008.

Journal of the American Medical Association

Psychiatrist Nada Stotland of the University of Chicago, current vice president of the American Psychiatric Association, argued in a 1992 commentary published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA): "There is no evidence of an abortion-trauma syndrome.” In 2003, Stotland wrote, "Currently, there are active attempts to convince the public and women considering abortion that abortion frequently has negative psychiatric consequences. This assertion is not borne out by the literature: the vast majority of women tolerate abortion without psychiatric sequelae."

References

  1. ^ Zabin, L.S., Hirsch, M.B., Emerson, M.R. (1989). When urban adolescents choose abortion: effects on education, psychological status and subsequent pregnancy. Family Planning Perspectives, 21 (6), 248-55. Retrieved September 8, 2006.
  2. ^ Russo, N. F., & Zierk, K.L. (1992). Abortion, childbearing, and women. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 23(4), 269-280. Retrieved September 8, 2006.
  3. ^ Schmiege, S. & Russo, N.F. (2005). Depression and unwanted first pregnancy: longitudinal cohort study Electronic version. British Medical Journal, 331 (7528), 1303. Retrieved 2006-01-11.
  4. Gómez Lavín C, Zapata García R (2005). "Diagnostic categorization of post-abortion syndrome". Actas Esp Psiquiatr. 33 (4): 267–72. PMID 15999304.
  5. Research and Destroy, by Chris Mooney. Published in Washington Monthly, October 2004.
  6. Is There a Post-Abortion Syndrome? By Emily Bazelon. Published in the New York Times Magazine, January 21 2007. Accessed January 11 2008.
  7. Science in support of a cause: the new research, by Michael Kranish. Published in the Boston Globe on July 31 2005; accessed November 27 2007.
  8. ^ Stotland NL (2003). "Abortion and psychiatric practice". J Psychiatr Pract. 9 (2): 139–49. PMID 15985924.
  9. Grimes DA, Creinin MD (2004). "Induced abortion: an overview for internists". Ann. Intern. Med. 140 (8): 620–6. PMID 15096333. Key summary points: "Abortion does not lead to an increased risk for breast cancer or other late psychiatric or medical sequelae." On p. 624, the authors state: "The alleged 'postabortion trauma syndrome' does not exist."
  10. ^ Stotland NL. The myth of the abortion trauma syndrome. JAMA. 1992 Oct 21;268(15):2078-9. PMID 1404747.
  11. Cooper, Cynthia L. Abortion Under Attack
  12. Russo NF, Denious JE (2005). "Controlling birth: science, politics, and public policy". J Soc Issues. 61 (1): 181–91. PMID 17073030.
  13. TIME. Abortion on Demand
  14. ^ Adler NE, David HP, Major BN, Roth SH, Russo NF, Wyatt GE. "Psychological responses after abortion." Science, April 1990, 248: 41-44.
  15. American Psychological Association. "APA research review finds no evidence of 'post-abortion syndrome' but research studies on psychological effects of abortion inconclusive." Press release, January 18, 1989.
  16. ^ "Dr. Koop's Abortion Advice" New York Times
  17. "Reagan's officials 'suppressed' research on abortion" New Scientist
  18. Family Planning and Perspectives by Nancy Adler
  19. Abortion and American Psychology Warren Throckmorton, PhD

External links

Major media coverage
Pro-choice sources
Pro-life sources
Categories: