The American Psychological Association Task Force on Mental Health and Abortion

The American Psychological Association (APA) Task Force on Mental Health and Abortion reviewed research to understand how abortion affects mental health. Their goal was to assess whether having an abortion increases the risk of mental health problems. They found that most people who have an abortion do not experience long-term mental health issues, and that feelings about abortion vary widely depending on individual circumstances. The task force emphasized that mental health outcomes are influenced more by personal, social, and economic factors than by the abortion itself. Their work helps inform policymakers, healthcare providers, and the public about the psychological aspects of abortion.