1258625478

Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry 47:1 (2006), pp 16–24

doi:10.1111/j.1469-7610.2005.01538.x

Abortion in young women and subsequent

mental health

David M. Fergusson, L. John Horwood, and Elizabeth M. Ridder

Christchurch Health and Development Study, Christchurch, New Zealand

Background: The extent to which abortion has harmful consequences for mental health remains

controversial. We aimed to examine the linkages between having an abortion and mental health outcomes over the interval from age 15–25 years. Methods: Data were gathered as part of the Christchurch Health and Development Study, a 25-year longitudinal study of a birth cohort of New Zealand

children. Information was obtained on: a) the history of pregnancy/abortion for female participants over

the interval from 15–25 years; b) measures of DSM-IV mental disorders and suicidal behaviour over the

intervals 15–18, 18–21 and 21–25 years; and c) childhood, family and related confounding factors. Results: Forty-one percent of women had become pregnant on at least one occasion prior to age

25, with 14.6% having an abortion. Those having an abortion had elevated rates of subsequent mental

health problems including depression, anxiety, suicidal behaviours and substance use disorders. This

association persisted after adjustment for confounding factors. Conclusions: The findings suggest

that abortion in young women may be associated with increased risks of mental health problems. Keywords: Abortion, pregnancy, mental disorder, depression, anxiety, suicidal behaviour,

substance dependence.

There have been ongoing debates about the issue of

abortion as a response to unwanted pregnancy.

These debates have centred around a series of ethical, religious and other issues concerning the rights

of the fetus and the mother in circumstances of unwanted pregnancy (Blanchard, 2002; Chen, 2004;

Major, 2003). Although much of the debate in this

area has focused on ethical issues, it has also...