PREVALENCE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL RISKS FOLLOWING LEGAL-ABORTION IN THE UNITED-STATES - LIMITS OF THE EVIDENCE

The incidence of psychological problems following abortion is hotly debated. This article uses a methodological critique of the key research to argue that prevalence rates for psychological risks following legal abortions in the U.S. should be viewed with great caution. Knowledge of prevalence alone, however, is inadequate for policy decisions. Information is also needed about the risks associated with the policy options intended to replace abortion (relative risk). Studies that used a comparison group have shown that the psychological risks associated with abortion are similar to those associated with childbirth. Furthermore, past research cannot answer whether abortion causes psychological responses that sometimes occur. We conclude that, although the studies cited by pro-choice advocates are much more methodologically sound than those cited by pro-life advocates, decisions about what risks are acceptable are largely political decisions rather than scientific ones.