A recent study by researcher Paul Sullins, published in the International Journal of Women’s Health Care, concludes that women considering abortion should be informed about the risk of long-term emotional distress, which often surfaces years or even decades after the procedure. Drawing on extensive data, the study reports that nearly half of post-abortive women experience moderate to high distress, and about one in four face severe, long-lasting symptoms similar to PTSD. Sullins and Ruth Institute leaders argue that the U.S. lacks meaningful informed-consent practices compared to countries like Denmark, where women receive clear information and psychological screening. They emphasize that long-term research consistently reveals significant emotional struggles following abortion, yet many women remain unaware of these risks. The report warns that the rise in at-home medication abortions may intensify trauma and highlights the need for better research, counseling access, and a trauma-informed approach to support affected women.
- Post-abortion emotional distress often appears years or even decades after the abortion, according to pregnancy-help organizations.
- A significant share of post-abortive women seek healing long after the event—sometimes 5 to 30+ years later.
- Sullins’ study, published in the International Journal of Women’s Health Care, found:
- 44.8% of post-abortive women report moderate to high distress.
- 24.1% (approx. 7.5 million women) report severe post-abortion distress.
- Nearly half (3.4 million) display multiple PTSD-like symptoms.
- Common symptoms include grief, loss, sadness, flashbacks, and ongoing regret.
- Long-term studies (10+ years) consistently show higher levels of emotional distress.
- Rising medication abortions may increase trauma because women undergo the process alone at home without adequate support or information.
Read the whole article here: Pregnancy Help News – Post-abortion emotional distress is prevalent even after decades, research reveals