Emotional Sequelae of Abortion: Implications for Clinical Practice

The literature is summarized on normative reactions to abortion and factors that increase risk of negative emotional sequelae. Four areas of inquiry for identifying psychotherapeutic issues in regard to abortion are elaborated, including: (a) characteristics of the woman prior to and at the time of the abortion, (b) the nature of social support and the cultural milieu around the abortion, (c) characteristics of the medical environment and abortion procedure, and (d) events subsequent to the abortion which may have aroused post-decisional conflict. The implications of the research literature for psychotherapeutic treatment of women who have had abortions are discussed.