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The psychological Sequelae of Abortion (Spontaneous and Induced) and Subsequent Pregnancies

Abstract:

I ask the questions. She responds with her answers. I dutifully write them down, filling in the spaces on the antenatal booking sheet. I move quickly and smoothly from one category to another. I ask "Is this your first pregnancy?" "Tell me about your previous pregnancies." I prompt her to tell me about the dates, places of birth and periods of gestation. I do some simple additions and write 3/0 or 7/2, fractions that never look complete, and then turning the page I move on. But what memories have I ruffled or stirred? What dead pain have I reawakened only to ignore it and to move onto issues more tangible, more pressing, never to revisit the past because I have not given her permission, nor the space, nor a listening heart to share something of her grief and trauma with me. ...The advent of pregnancy, particularly a first pregnancy, is a catalyst for fundamental psychological change. When this change is interrupted by abortion, either spontaneous or induced, psychological sequelae results. Even though the circumstances may be very different for women who seek induced abortions as opposed to those who spontaneously abort, there are many similarities with the psychological symptoms experienced after the event.

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abortion, mental health, miscarriage, termination of pregnancy