Abortion a Major Risk Factor for Depressive Illness

The American Psychological Association has reportedly withdrawn statements denying a link between abortion and mental harm, according to a letter signed by 15 experts published in the Times of London on October 27.

"Research published in The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry in January has shown that even women without past mental health problems are at risk of psychological ill-effects after abortion. Women who had had abortions had twice the level of mental health problems and three times the risk of major depressive illness as those who had given birth or never been pregnant."

A search at news.google.com shows no sign of this being reported in the United States. It seems like this would be important information for voters this week, though admittedly the topic is timely this week in the UK for reasons unrelated to the U.S.--it was the anniversary date of legalized abortion there. Still, there's a gaggle of pundits out there complaining that science is not being properly respected in public policy. This time I would certainly agree.

Ironically, on October 25 Kate Michelman of "NARAL Pro-Choice America" wrote,

"Organizers supporting [a South Dakota initiative to severely limit abortions] have made their case using antiquated ideas about women and flat-out lies about science and medicine. They ignore every scientific consensus to argue that abortion causes abnormal rates of breast cancer, depression and even suicidal thoughts."

A related Times of London story, also published on October 27, says,

"Although it has been long established that women with a history of mental illness are at greater risk of further instability following an abortion, the New Zealand study established for the first time that abortion could trigger depression and other illnesses in women with no mental problems in the past.

"The research prompted the American Psychology Association to withdraw an official statement which denied a link between abortion and psychological harm."

The relevant link at the APA now reads,

"This fact sheet is currently being updated. For other information, please visit our homepage at www.apa.org/ppo."

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H/T to Magic Statistics

Posted: Tue - October 31, 2006 at 10:33 AM |

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Abortion a Major Risk Factor for Depressive Illness

Thinking Christian by Tom Gilson