If you are considering abortion, you may be searching for what are the effects on mental health from the abortion pill? Mental health is often an overlooked component of an abortion. Just as your body could be affected by any medical procedure, so could your mind and spirit.
Read below for studies that have revealed the possible effects on mental health from the abortion pill, as well as physical effects.
What are the effects on mental health from the abortion pill?
Some evidence shows a higher risk of mental trauma associated with the abortion pill versus a surgical abortion. A study published in the Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology reported: “Compared to surgical abortion, medical abortion was associated with increasing the risk of developing a possible PTSD.”
There are also mental health risks with abortion generally. For example:
A study at SAGE Open Medicine examined pregnancy and mental health history. The study found that “abortion was consistently associated with increased risk of mental health disorder.”
Another researcher, publishing in SAGE and the British Medical Journal, observed ranges of 2x and 6x increased risk of suicide after abortion.
Before taking the abortion pill, it is also important to take note if you already struggle with mental health. A 2026 study in the Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecologyecology observed that “a history of mental health problems prior to the pregnancy” resulted in “higher rates of adverse emotional or mental health outcomes” after an abortion. That means if you already struggle with mental health issues, this can especially lead to traumatic mental stress after an abortion.Are there other risks associated with the abortion pill?
According to one study of women who took the abortion pill after 10 weeks gestational age, there were participants who reported incomplete abortion, excessive blood loss, and fever. Additionally, 10-15% of second trimester abortions are responsible for two-thirds of abortion-related complications.
Here is a list of potential risks listed by the Mayo Clinic for the abortion pill itself:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
Are there other risks associated with the abortion pill?
Side effects from the abortion pill can start soon after taking it and may include nausea, weakness, fever or chills, vomiting, headache, diarrhea, and dizziness.
Bleeding is an “expected” symptom that occurs when the pregnancy detaches from the inside of your uterine wall. However, the FDA label warns that “prolonged heavy bleeding may be a sign of incomplete abortion.” An incomplete abortion could require surgery.
The FDA also warns of potential serious bacterial infections or sepsis, which can be fatal if not treated promptly. Long-lasting fever, severe abdominal pain, or prolonged heavy bleeding could be a sign of infection that requires immediate emergency care.
The FDA says:
Bleeding or spotting can be expected for an average of 9 to16 days and may last for up to 30 days. Your bleeding may be similar to, or greater than, a normal heavy period. You may see blood clots and tissue. This is an expected part of passing the pregnancy.
The FDA label for misoprostol also refers to risks like uterine rupture, stating: “The risk of uterine rupture increases with advancing gestational ages…” Risk of rupture is also increased with prior uterine surgery or c-section.
What are my other options?
If you are considering the abortion pill or just want to talk to a medical professional, Waterleaf Women’s Center professionals are here for you at no cost. Schedule a confidential consultation, which includes a medical-grade pregnancy test and ultrasound.
As you consider the abortion pill, information from an ultrasound can be especially helpful. Ultrasounds provide information such as how far along you are, if your pregnancy is progressing, and where your pregnancy is located.
If you are pregnant, an ultrasound provides especially important information, such as the gestational age of your pregnancy, so you can make informed decisions best for you. Schedule an appointment or call/text Waterleaf confidentially at 630-360-2256 today.
