How an Adoption Plan Can Prevent Depression Caused By Abortion

An adoption plan offers women an option to carry their pregnancies to term even if they do not want to parent. An adoption plan can greatly decrease the chances of post-abortive depression.

Abortion and Mental Health

Unexpected pregnancy can stir up all of your emotions. It can be confusing or difficult to know how to feel: happy, sad, excited, devastated, frightened, and the list goes on. Your feelings may even change about your situation over time. 

Making a permanent pregnancy decision like abortion comes with risks. Mayo Clinic states, “Having a medical abortion is a major decision with emotional and psychological consequences.” 

As unique individuals, every woman will process an abortion differently. That is why it is so difficult to directly tie abortion and mental health together as a cause-and-effect relationship. 

However, one study did uncover common ground. The study explains, “Common ground exists regarding the very basic fact that at least some women do have significant mental health issues that are caused, triggered, aggravated, or complicated by their abortion experience.” 

The research concludes that in many cases, the women who do have negative mental health impacts tended to have felt pressured into an abortion or chose abortion without sufficient attention to their maternal desires or moral beliefs.

If you are feeling pressured into an abortion or would prefer not to have one, but don’t know what else to do, you are likely at a higher risk of negative mental health impacts after an abortion. For this reason, it is so critical to resist pressure and choose an option that you feel comfortable with while recognizing your personal story and health.

How an Adoption Plan Can Help

Making an adoption plan could be the answer you are looking for if you want to carry to term, but know parenting is not an option. Adoptive parents will often cover many of the medical bills and sometimes even living expenses, making pregnancy affordable for birth mothers. 

You also get to set the terms of your adoption plan, such as choosing the adoptive parents, and deciding how much contact you want with your child. It puts the power in your hands, and gives you peace, knowing your wishes will be honored.

Abortion, Adoption, or Parenting?

It is normal to be confused and not know what you want at the beginning of a pregnancy. We can help you weigh every option in a safe and confidential environment. We are here to help you make a confident and empowered choice, free from pressure or judgment.

Schedule your free appointment at Waterleaf Women’s Center, and we will provide the services and support you need during this time.