A sweeping Canadian study has found that women who undergo induced abortions are significantly more likely to face mental health hospitalizations, including for psychiatric disorders, substance abuse, and suicide attempts, compared with women who give birth. The findings, published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research, tracked more than 1.2 million pregnancies over 17 years.
Large-Scale Study in Quebec
Researchers analyzed medical records from 2006 to 2022, covering 28,721 women who had induced abortions and 1,228,807 who gave birth in Quebec hospitals. They found that abortion was linked to an increased risk of hospitalization for mental disorders even more than a decade later.
Key Findings
Compared with women who carried pregnancies to term, those who had abortions were at greater risk of:
- Any mental disorder: 104.0 vs. 42.0 hospitalizations per 10,000 person-years
- Psychiatric disorders: 85.1 vs. 37.1
- Substance use disorders: 56.7 vs. 15.0
- Suicide attempts: 14.7 vs. 4.4
The risk was especially high within five years of abortion and gradually declined over time, aligning with childbirth outcomes after 17 years.
Who Was Most at Risk
- Women under 25 years old
- Those with preexisting mental health disorders
- Patients with previous pregnancies or abortions
These groups showed the greatest likelihood of psychiatric hospitalization.
Types of Disorders Most Strongly Associated
The study highlighted stronger associations between abortion and:
- Eating disorders
- Hallucinogen use disorders
- Cocaine use disorders
Caution on Causation
The authors stressed that the research does not prove abortion causes mental illness. Instead, abortion may be a marker of increased lifetime risk. They recommended screening women for mental health conditions at the time of abortion as an opportunity for intervention and support.
Significance of the Findings
The study stands out for its scale, scope, and publication in a mainstream, peer-reviewed journal. Unlike smaller studies often cited in abortion debates, the authors are not affiliated with pro-life organizations, making the findings more difficult to dismiss as ideologically driven.
Implications for Informed Consent
Advocates argue that abortion providers should be required to inform women about the potential long-term mental health risks. Supporters of the study say this ensures true “informed choice” and provides an opportunity for early mental health support for at-risk women.