And Suicide

The opinion of the psychiatric community has changed. While in the past psychiatric authorities denied the negative impact of abortion on a woman’s mental health, now the tide has turned.

In Great Britain in 2008, the Royal College of Psychiatrists issued a “Position Statement on Women’s Mental Health in Relation to Induced Abortion,” in which they state their concern for protecting a woman’s mental health when faced with an unwanted pregnancy. “Healthcare professionals who assess or refer women who are requesting an abortion should assess for mental disorder and for risk factors that may be associated with its subsequent development…. The Royal College of Psychiatrists recognizes that good practice in relation to abortion will include informed consent. Consent cannot be informed without the provision of adequate and appropriate information regarding the possible risks… to physical and mental health.” [1]

The following quote from an article describes a tragedy that occurred two years ago in Great Britain. The title of the article is, “Artist hanged herself after aborting her twins.”

[Please, if you are suffering emotionally from an abortion, contact one of the organizations that offers compassionate, non-judgmental help to assist you in your recovery. God forgives, and with some loving help from organizations like Project Rachel you can forgive yourself and be healed. Click here to find a counselor near you.]

“An artist killed herself after aborting her twins when she was eight weeks pregnant, leaving a note saying: ‘I should never have had an abortion. I see now I would have been a good mum.’

Emma Beck’s suicide note read: ‘I told everyone I didn’t want to do it, even at the hospital. I was frightened, now it is too late. I died when my babies died. I want to be with my babies: they need me, no-one else does.’

The coroner in the case listed the cause of death as suicide, and stated: “It is clear that a termination can have a profound effect on a woman’s life.” [2]

Abortion is elective surgery, and one that is not without negative consequences. In the absence of any data that says abortion reduces mental health risk factors, and the large and growing amount of evidence that abortion increases the likelihood of mental health problems, we as a society should do more to help women choose life for their unborn babies. Click here for the nearest pregnancy support center.

1. Position Statement on Women’s Mental Health in Relation to Induced Abortion, Royal College of Psychiatrists, March 14, 2008.

2. “Artist hanged herself after aborting her twins,” Feb. 26, 2008, telegraph.co.uk.