Long-term mental health & financial outcomes associated with abortion access and denial: A systematic review

Abstract

Abortion services access has been attacked nationally in the United States for decades, but more recently, attempts to ban abortion have dominated American politics at an exceedingly damaging rate. Coronavirus disease-2019 provided local and national politicians with the opportunity to implement limitations and temporary closures on abortion clinics throughout the country. Many of the policies put in place, both recently and historically, have been derived from faulty research with claims on mental health sequelae post-abortion being a frequently sighted point of reference. It is essential that the investigation of mental health prior to abortion, post-abortion, and of those who were denied abortion be considered to make just policies. This review finds that negative mental health outcomes are more severe in women who are denied an abortion compared to women who receive one. Additionally, denying women abortions is associated with significant financial difficulties and reduced quality of life. The purpose of this review is to identify current trends in scientific literature on abortion, the outcomes formulated based on these findings, the presence or lack thereof of mental health sequelae in experimental groups, and financial outcomes in these subjects. It is essential that policy surrounding abortion access reflects sound scientific literature and empowers women to make appropriate decisions about their reproductive health.