September is Suicide Prevention Month, and it has been determined that prohibiting people's access to abortion may increase the risk that they will end their lives.
Increasing restrictions on abortion access in the United States are linked to an increased risk of suicide in women aged 20-34, increasing its incidence by approximately 5%, according to research from the University of Pennsylvania and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
If you or someone you know is suicidal or needs emotional support, contact the Suicide Prevention and Crisis Line.
The American Psychological Association had already expressed concern in a statement: "Rigorous, long-term psychological research clearly demonstrates that people who are denied abortions are more likely to experience higher levels of anxiety, lower life satisfaction, and lower self-esteem compared to those who are able to have abortions."
And that access to abortion is not only determined by a person's location, but also by his or her socioeconomic status, as poor, black, indigenous and Latino people, especially those living in rural areas, experience greater barriers to accessing health services in general and abortion in particular.
How lack of access to abortion affects mental health
The University of California, San Francisco'sTurnaway study of more than 1,000 women in 21 states found that five years after having an abortion, 99% of them thought they had made the right decision, and their most common emotional reaction was relief.
In contrast, those who wanted an abortion and were denied it reported more negative emotions and two of the participants died from complications arising from childbirth.
The anguish of not being able to exercise bodily autonomy, having children that weaken their already precarious socioeconomic situation, and the lack of a support system are stressors and anxiety for any pregnant person. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 25-44 year olds in the United States.
Negative effect extends to children
The same San Francisco research found that women are more likely to stay with a violent partner if they are denied an abortion. Those who must travel out of state to access the service also experience stress and financial burden. All of these elements add to the risk of suicide and fuel feelings of helplessness, despair and uncertainty.
This has effects both on people with gestational capacity and on the children they already have and those who arrive as a result of not being able to access abortion. Children who are the result of unwanted pregnancies also have more social, emotional and mental health problems over time, and are more likely to be hospitalized for psychiatric problems than their siblings or children whose pregnancies were planned.
Evidence shows that access to abortion is part of the right to mental health. Individuals have the right to choose whether and when to have children, according to their own circumstances. Laws that restrict access to this service have a negative impact that can lead to entirely preventable deaths both because it encourages unsafe abortion and because of its link to suicidal thoughts.
Aya Contigo: your choice for emotional support
Aya Contigo is our app so you can access reliable information about abortion from wherever you are, but it also offers emotional support during the process and self-care tips.
Abortion is a process in which emotions can vary, and it is important that you feel accompanied. Our team will attend you confidentially and with live chat, answering all your questions.
Important suicide prevention tips
Receive professional support, suicide is a sensitive issue that should be treated by specialists. This is the line available in the United States. Look for the one available in your country.
Remember that there are options. Even if you can't see it right now, there can always be alternatives and solutions to a situation.
Avoid isolation. Seek specialized help or contact family and friends.
Strengthen your bonds. Take up a sport, a hobby, or join a community that shares your values. Belonging to a group reduces suicidal ideation.
Show empathy and listen to the person who says he/she wants to commit suicide. Accompaniment is essential to avoid self-harm.
Participate in our forum (Spanish), where we have reliable information for you.
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