New Study Finds That Abortion Does Not Cause Mental Health Problems in Adolescents

A new study has found that teens that have abortions are no more likely to be depressed or have low self-esteem than their peers. “Do Depression and Low Self-Esteem Follow Abortion Among Adolescents? Evidence from a National Study,” by Jocelyn T. Warren of Oregon State University et al., will appear in the December issue of Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health. Warren and her co-authors analyzed data collected from almost 300 teenage girls from 1994 to 1996. According to the study, there is no association between having had an abortion and depression or low self-esteem within either a year of the pregnancy or five years later.

Thirty-four states currently require that women receive counseling before having an abortion. The authors of the study concluded that mandatory counseling may harm, rather than educate, women: “[L] laws mandating that women considering abortion be advised of its psychological risks may jeopardize women’s health by adding unnecessary anxiety and undermining women’s right to informed consent.”

>Read more about abortion facts

Wednesday's Words from Women

Yesterday was the tenth anniversary of the FDA’s approval of mifepristone for early medical abortion. In honor of the anniversary, we are sharing the stories of two women who chose medical abortion to end an unwanted pregnancy.


When I found out I was five weeks pregnant, I had been sick with persistent pneumonia for months and my lungs were at risk of collapsing. I had half of the red blood cells I should have had and I had taken medication known to cause birth defects. My mother was dying of bone cancer at the time and I couldn't have helped her and cared for an infant. I was working two jobs and enrolled full-time in college.

My fiancé and I agreed together that abortion was the best option, and I had a medical abortion. The only unwanted effect I had was cramping, and I was able to rest at home during the process; it was nothing like the horror stories some people would like you to believe.

It has been over five years since the procedure and I have had no complications, physically or psychologically, as a result of the abortion. I love my life and do not regret my decision.

Of all the myths about abortion, the ones that anger me the most are about the women who have them. We are portrayed as promiscuous, unintelligent, selfish, weak or child-hating. Those who oppose abortion would like people to believe that women either can't make a good choice or don't even deserve one. Nothing could be further from the truth.

--submitted by Sophia* via our website



After a lengthy separation and amiable divorce, I met a wonderful man. We moved in together, and proceeded to live a rather full and loving life. We'd been careful, and when the condom slipped I picked up Plan-B.

I was one of the small percentage of women for whom Plan B doesn't work. Why and how, we're still not certain; I suppose it's just one of those unexplainable things.

My partner had decided long ago not to have children. He has a form of muscular dystrophy, and did not want his children to have to suffer from this disease as he has. I respected that completely, as I'd long before decided not to have any more children.

It wasn't an easy decision. But it was, I believe, the only one I had. I made the choice, and my partner stood with me. And thank goodness, we had the ability to make the choice!

I opted for a medical abortion; I could be home and comfortable. He went with me to the clinic, and stayed with me as I aborted here at home. I had a lovely clinic, full of beautifully souled women so full of support and love, and a partner who was right there with me.

I live in a city full of very religious people. To our surprise we weren't inundated with picketers, and honestly if we had been, I probably would have been unwise and said something rude back to them. But my clinic was so wonderful. The ladies were like a huge loving hug for both of us.

When the time comes, if my daughter needs to make this choice, I want her to be able to do so. I've been a pro-choicer for years now, one of those letter writers, phone callers, and general rabble-rousers (even before she was born). If I can give a huge hug to a woman in my position, like those ladies did for us, I will, even if that hug is just her knowing she's supported by someone, somewhere.

--Submitted by Elizabeth* through our website

Tenth Anniversary of FDA Approval of Mifepristone

Ten years ago today, the FDA approved the use of mifepristone as an alternative for terminating an early pregnancy. Mifepristone, also known as the "abortion pill,” Mifeprex, or RU-486, was first licensed in France in 1988, and has been used safely and effectively by millions of women worldwide. Since its FDA approval, usage in the U.S. has steadily increased, and more than 1.4 million women in this country have obtained a medical abortion.

The number of providers offering medical abortion care has also continued to increase. Some family practitioners and ob/gyns have integrated it into their practices and most Planned Parenthood family planning clinics are now offering medical abortion care. In fact, the decline in the number of U.S. abortion providers, slowed dramatically between 2000 and 2005, partly because of a surge in the number of providers that offer only medical abortion care.


>Learn more about medical abortion.

>Find a provider in your areas that offers medical abortion.

Letter to the Editor in The Baltimore Sun

Today, The Baltimore Sun ran my letter to the editor:

As the Maryland Board of Physicians rightly continues its investigation into recent events at an Elkton clinic, it is important to note that cases like this are not representative of the state of abortion care in Maryland or throughout the country ("Abortion that injured teen puts Md. law in the spotlight," Sept. 8).

The events in Elkton are just the latest problem for Dr. Steven Brigham who has come under fire from state licensing boards and health departments throughout his career and has had his medical license temporarily suspended, relinquished or revoked in five states. These repeated disciplinary actions make it evident that Dr. Brigham operates outside recognized standards for quality abortion care.

Abortion is one of the safest medical procedures in the United States, and high-quality abortion care is readily available in Maryland from providers and clinics not associated with Dr. Brigham.

Wednesday's Words from Women

Over one-third of women of reproductive age have an abortion by the age of 45. However, women who have chosen abortion are often absent from the public debate. In order to break the silence surrounding abortion, we will be featuring real stories from real women each Wednesday on our blog. If you would like to share your story with us or have it published on our blog, go to http://www.prochoice.org/pregnant/hotline/share.html.


I have been pro-choice for as long as I can remember, but I had always thought that if it came down to it, I would not choose abortion. That all changed in 2005. I was a single mother who just lost her job and found out that I was pregnant again. I could not think of bringing a child into this world when I could not provide for my existing child, and when I had to choose between feeding my five-year-old or myself, the choice was even clearer.

My experience at the clinic could not have been better, and the doctor and nurses were absolutely fantastic. I felt understood and supported in my decision and was talked through each and every step. I am pro-choice because I believe that anyone who does not feel that they could be a mother to their child for any reason, shouldn’t.

--Submitted by Darlene* through our website


Without the help of the clinic and the Hotline, I would have had to face a whole new journey that I am not ready for. I appreciate their support and willingness to accept my decision. Having a baby would have changed my life and I may not have been able to provide for my child. I am pro-choice because I feel that a woman should have a choice to have a baby or not, because a child should be cherished and given time and love no matter what.

--Submitted by Rachel* through a member clinic

*Names have been changed to protect patient privacy.