Hi, and welcome to Telefem! It’s so nice to meet you! If this is your first time here, we want to tell you that you’re in a safe space, full of trust. We are here to answer all your questions and provide you with trustworthy information regarding safe abortion in Mexico. Let me introduce you to one of our articles, and if you still have questions, feel free to contact us through WhatsApp!
We’re going to clarify some common myths about mental health of those who choose to have an abortion. Does abortion cause trauma? Does avoiding or restricting an abortion lead to emotional distress or consequences? Let’s find out together.
Let’s start by defining what mental health means. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is the state of well-being in which a person has the tools to cope with life’s challenges, like making decisions, building healthy relationships, and leading a fulfilling life. It’s not just the absence of fiscal illness.¹ Now that you know this, let’s dive into the questions:
How does an abortion affect mental health outcomes?
There is currently no scientific evidence that says an abortion harms mental health. Most of the time, when mental health issues are detected, or even emotional support is needed, it isn’t because of the abortion itself; it’s due to the stigma associated with the choice of an abortion.
Many people can experience negative emotions after an abortion. Still, these feelings stem from a lack of support, a sense of isolation, guilt, and judgment from partners, family, or community, all rooted in societal perception of this procedure.1
When an abortion is legal and chosen freely, most women describe it as a positive, empowering experience that helps them grow and mature emotionally. At the beginning, many report a sense of relief and satisfaction because they made a responsible decision for their well-being and their own lives.2
However, specific interactions, like religious or social stigma, the need to keep it secret, or the absence of support, can add emotional stress. The abortion itself doesn’t cause the distress, but rather the challenging context that surrounds an unplanned pregnancy. That’s why emotional support is always essential.
If you’re planning to have a safe abortion, finding a safe space where your choices are respected and not questioned or judged is key. Telefem is a nonprofit organization that supports your choice not to become a parent and puts you in contact with remote medical orientation. They also include a Telefem kit with everything you need to exercise your right to choose and your body’s autonomy.
Complete information and stigma-free attention
Abortion experiences vary from person to person, not only because of their context, but also depending on the information and the kind of support they receive before, during, and after the procedure. Factors that can make the experience difficult include:4
– Lack of transparent, science-based, and accessible information
– Judgment or invalidation of the person’s choice
– Inducing guilt
– Trying to make you change your mind
– Verbal or physical mistreatment
– Refusing to perform the procedure
On the other hand, abortion can be a positive and supportive experience when:
– Emotions are validated
– There is active and compassionate listening from a support system
– All doubts and concerns are addressed on time
– Information is straightforward and evidence-based
– The person is truly empowered to choose the method they choose as the best
– There is gender-sensitive care and emotional accompaniment
Support that respects autonomy and embraces a gender perspective is essential in addressing factors such as:1
– Economic vulnerability
– Gender stereotypes
– Gender inequality
– Emotional or social vulnerability
– Absence of a support network
A safe abortion is part of a broader view of reproductive decisions grounded in health and well-being. At Telefem, you can access judgment-free, remote medical care, support, and accompaniment from professionals who respect your decisions.
Is It Normal to Feel Guilty or Scared After an Abortion?
In patriarchal societies, there’s an enduring belief that a “good” woman is virginal and pure, while those who explore or enjoy their sexuality are seen as bad. This idea gets passed down through generations, encouraging that sex is only for reproduction. This belief leads to another myth: the so-called maternal instinct, that all women must become mothers and have no other acceptable roles or life goals.1
These myths, stereotypes, and stigmas are part of a system aimed at controlling women’s bodies. It idealizes motherhood and virginity while shaming women who try to enjoy their sexuality fully without intending, wishing, or planning a pregnancy. That’s why many women who choose abortion are judged and, in some cases, even called murderers.1
This cultural baggage often fuels emotional challenges. Some common feelings reported by people who have had an abortion include:1
- Anger: at themselves or at others who let them down
- Frustration: over contraception failure
- Sadness: related to a sense of loss, a breakup, or a shift in self-image
- Shame: about enjoying sex, becoming pregnant, or needing an abortion
- Guilt: for prioritizing themselves or their plans
Fear: of others’ reactions or of what might happen - Relief: about their decision and future plans
These feelings, like many life experiences, can vary widely. The way a person processes and remembers an abortion often evolves over time, shaped by personal growth and changing circumstances.2
Not all women will ever experience abortion the same way. Many factors shape the experience: why they made the choice, their emotional and personal situation, the type of procedure, their relationship status, what plans follow in their lives, and the broader social and political environment.2
Consider these aspects for a self-guided abortion. Remember: you shouldn’t go through this alone and in uncertainty. Don’t forget that it will be critical to maintain communication with specialized professionals who are ready to answer your doubts if you lose control. That’s why Telefem connects you with a specialist to guide you throughout the process.
You’re Not Alone
Keeping in touch with trained professionals makes all the difference. That’s why Telefem is here for you — to guide and support you. With Telefem, you’ll be safe.
Send us a WhatsApp today — we’re ready to help you.
* This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice.
References:
- Robles Arredondo EY. Salud mental, aborto y estigma como dispositivos de la necropolítica de género. En: Justicia sexual y reproductiva: diálogos plurales desde el feminismo. [Internet]. 2023. [Visit in April 2025]. Available at: https://archivos.juridicas.unam.mx/www/bjv/libros/15/7204/6.pdf
- Rondón MB. Resultados de la investigación sobre las consecuencias emocionales y psicológicas del aborto inducido. [Internet]. 2009. [Visit in April 2025]. Available at: https://promsex.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Consecuencias-emocionales-psicologicas-aborto-inducido-Marta-Rondon.pdf
- Grupo médico por el derecho a decidir. Embarazo no deseado, continuación forzada del embarazo y afectación de la salud mental. Documento de posición. [Internet]. 2021. [Visit in April 2025]. Available at: https://globaldoctorsforchoice.org/wp-content/uploads/Embarazo-no-deseado-continuaci%C3%B3n-forzada-del-embarazo-y-afectaci%C3%B3n-de-la-salud-mental.pdf
- BALANCE. ¿Por qué hablamos de salud mental y su relación con el aborto? [Internet]. 2022. [Visit in April 2025]. Available at: https://www.balancemx.org/es/D%C3%ADaSaludMental-ADAS