A new study published in the International Journal of Women’s Health Care has found that 24% of women who’ve had abortions experienced serious post-abortion distress (PAD) – even decades after the abortion.

The study ‘Persistent Emotional Distress after Abortion in the United States’ by Paul Sullins of the Ruth Institute analysed data from an online survey of 1,000 U.S. women between the ages of 41 and 45.

22.6% of the women in the survey had undergone an abortion. Significantly, among this group, the
average time between the abortion and the survey was approximately 20 years. Demographically – by race, income, and region – the women in the survey closely matched with national averages.

The findings are consistent with other studies and research published in reputable peer-reviewed journals. In July, for example, another study – this time a Canadian one of over one million women, presented compelling evidence that abortion can have serious adverse consequences for women’s mental health. The study was published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research.

Despite the consistency in the findings over decades, governments and abortion campaigners alike refuse to warn women prior to an abortion about the potential adverse effects on their mental health of going through with one. These same politicians and activists repeatedly portray themselves as the sole champions of women’s interests. We need to challenge their monopoly on that claim much more directly – and speak confidently and more boldly about genuinely promoting the wellbeing of women and their unborn babies.