Post-abortion Mental Health
Thursday October 9th, FRC hosted a panel discussion of distinguished researchers and clinicians on the topic of abortion and mental health. Challenging the recent special report findings of the American Psychological Association (APA) released in August 2008, the panelists presented and discussed the scientific body of evidence which establishes a causal link between abortion history and subsequent mental health effects including post-traumatic stress disorder, major depression, and substance abuse. Clinicians discussed direct, long-term psychological and psychiatric provision of professional care experiences of women and men they've treated for post-abortion psychological sequelae.
Additionally, results from a recent poll commissioned by the Illinois-based Elliot Institute was shared to highlight American's views on post-abortion awareness and their political bent. FRC's own Tom McClusky then provided comment on what anti-women's health policy, ignoring the negative mental health effects of abortion, could proceed and affect protections against coercive abortion, statutory rape, and general women's and maternal health.
The presentations, handouts, and articles provide an eye opening and in depth review of the science, recent poll, and implications of the recent wreckless APA findings.