Abortion

Abstract

Forty consecutive women of lower socioeconomic status who had requested therapeutic abortion were studied psychiatrically and psychologically. Thirty were approved for abortion because continuation of pregnancy was believed to represent a substantial risk to their mental health. Twenty-two of this group were seen again in follow-up six months later. Although a mild depression was common following abortion, the majority had fewer psychiatric symtoms. Statistically significant changes in average MMPI scores confirmed the clinical impression that for most women the abortion had been therapeutic. Three of the 22 women (14%) were more disturbed when seen in follow-up, but their increased discomfort could not be related definitely to the abortion since each had a history of serious psychiatric problems prior to abortion.