Abortion safer than childbirth? Not where suicide is concerned.

Abortion advocates (especially abortionists themselves) like to repeat the soundbite that abortion is safer than child birth. This is untrue medically speaking, and it is profoundly untrue psychologically speaking. Wednesday, on World Suicide Prevention Day, Fr. Frank Pavone of Priests for Life drew attention to the startling statistics of the abortion-suicide link.

Post by Father Frank Pavone.

The psychological danger of abortion cannot be underscored enough. Numerous studies have all pointed to the same conclusion: abortion poses a markedly higher risk factor for subsequent suicide than child birth or natural pregnancy loss (miscarriage). Sarah Terzo, the Live Action contributor who created ClinicQuotes, compiles some important facts about the abortion-suicide link. She shares that women who have experienced abortion also suffer from:

— 6-7 times higher suicide rate. Two national from Finland based on medical records revealed that aborting women were six-seven times more likely to commit suicide in the following year than were delivering women.(1)

— Up to 60% have suicidal thoughts. According to a recent study in a major scientific journal, 31% had thoughts of suicide after abortion. In another survey, approximately 60% of women with post-abortion problems reported suicidal thoughts, with 28% attempting suicide and half of those attempting suicide two or more times.(2)

— 154% higher risk of suicide. Another study of more than 173,000 American women who had abortions or carried to term found that, during the eight years after the pregnancy ended, women who aborted had a 154% higher risk of suicide than women who carried to term.(3)

Shockingly, Terzo points out that post-abortive teens are the most vulnerable group, being “10 times more likely to attempt suicide if they have had an abortion in the last six months.”

Among the notable studies that have attested to the abortion-suicide risk is a  Finnish study that was published in the British Medical Journal. Its conclusion states:

The increased risk of suicide after an induced abortion indicates either common risk factors for both or harmful effects of induced abortion on mental health… Increased risk for suicide after an abortion indicates either common risk factors for both or harmful effects of induced abortion on mental health.

Women who are suffering from the psychological anguish of a past abortion can contact Rachel’s Vineyard for free and confidential help. Rachel’s Vineyard can help women find resources and retreats that will lead them to healing and psychological stability.