Have you ever heard the wildest things about abortion that made you pause for a minute and question everything you thought you knew, leaving you eager to uncover the truth behind the whispers? Well, it’s time to burst those myths wide open!
Abortion is a Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) issue that remains a highly controversial topic and is surrounded by myths and misconceptions. Whether it is a rumor passed around in hushed tones or a lie screamed from the rooftops, people have misconceptions that can warp their perceptions and choices.
In this piece, we’re stripping away the falsehoods and revealing the facts of 8 myths about abortion, so, you can be empowered with information to make the right decisions and educate others as well. Are you ready to find the truth behind 8 of those myths? Let’s do this!
Myth 1: “Abortion is extremely dangerous”
Truth: Abortion, using the WHO recommended methods, is a very safe procedure. It can happen as an outpatient procedure, or it can be done with medications or tablets. Abortion is a safe medical procedure when conducted under the right conditions. Medical abortions have a shallow risk of serious complications and do not affect a woman’s health or future ability to become pregnant or give birth. Unsafe abortions on the other hand pose a health risk and can lead to severe complications.
Myth 2: “Abortion causes long-term mental health issues”
Truth: Research indicates that many women do not develop post-abortion syndrome, which is a state of distress that can happen before or immediately after the procedure. According to an article on CNN, “researchers found that at five years after having an abortion, only 6% expressed primarily negative emotions. The overwhelming majority of women surveyed – 84% – had positive emotions or no emotions whatsoever about their abortion decision, even if they hadn’t felt that way when they were making the decision to have an abortion”. Although any change in life may affect mental health, however, there is no evidence that abortion leads to long-term mental health problems. Individual experiences can vary widely, however, most of the high-quality research and reviews by major health organizations conclude that abortion does not cause long-term mental health issues. Instead, pre-existing mental health conditions, lack of or availability of social support, and the context of the abortion are significant factors in determining post-abortion mental health outcomes.
Myth 3: “Only irresponsible people get abortions”
Truth: Women have abortions for varied reasons, most of which are rational and reasonable. Whether it’s due to financial instability, health risks, or timing, the decision to have an abortion is often made with great care and consideration. Statistics according to Population Reference Bureau (PRB) prove that a significant number of women who opt for an abortion are already mothers, and therefore they know what it means to be a parent.
Myth 4: “Abortion leads to infertility”
Truth: Most women return to their pre-pregnancy fertility immediately following an abortion procedure. A small number of may have a delay in the return of their usual menstrual cycles. This misconception may have arisen from the tales of unsafe abortion and it is however important to note that adverse effects of unsafe abortions affect fertility, and this justifies the need for safe abortions.
Myth 5: “Safe abortion is only meant for few privileged people”
Truth: Due to restrictive laws, the availability and accessibility of abortion services depends on a country/state’s policy and the woman’s income level, knowledge of the available safe services, and where to access the safe services. Several organizations do their best to help people in need and supply needed services regardless of their income level. But there are still challenges and it is important to encourage the development and passage of legislation that would provide women with the choice they need to access sexual and reproductive health services.
Myth 6: “Fetal pain is a factor in early abortions”
Truth: Studies show that a fetus cannot feel anything until the 24th week of pregnancy and most abortions take place long before this stage. It is worth noting that the myth of fetal pain in early abortions is a prevalent argument in that influences the making of unjust policies. The knowledge of fetal development is important when it comes to refuting such a myth with facts.
Myth 7: “Abortion is used as a primary method of birth control”
Truth: Abortion is not widely employed as a means of birth control. Contraception is widely used by women to avoid pregnancy while abortion can be used in cases where contraception has failed or when pregnancy is unintended or unsupported such as in situations where a continued pregnancy is a threat to life. Improving sex education and access to birth control is important in decreasing the need for abortions.
Myth 8: “All women regret their abortions”
Truth: Most women experience some relief and do not regret their decision to have an abortion. Research from different sources reveals that more than 95 percent of women who have undergone the procedure state that it was the right thing to do even after several years. Personal narratives and anecdotes also illustrate that regret is not the norm; on the contrary, women report an increased feeling of control over their reproductive health and lives in general.
The Crux
By debunking these myths, we can foster a more supportive and informed environment for women making these critical decisions. Correcting misinformation prevents unnecessary fear. Remember, access to safe abortion is a vital part of healthcare, and knowing and sharing this truth is key to ensuring that everyone can make informed choices.
What is your role in this?
Know this truth and do not share wrong information.
One more thing, remember to share this article!
References
https://edition.cnn.com/2020/01/12/health/women-abortion-emotion-study/index.html
https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/1eee3180449104e2870d97961f150c7f/FINAL+Myths%26Facts+2021.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CACHEID=ROOTWORKSPACE-1eee3180449104e2870d97961f150c7f-nxt6WkC
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/myths-and-facts-about-abortion
https://www.actioncanadashr.org/campaigns/common-myths-about-abortion
Population Reference Bureau. (2021). Abortion Facts & Figures. Retrieved from https://www.prb.org/resources/abortion-facts-and-figures-2021/
World Health Organization. (2022). Abortion care guideline. Retrieved from World Health Organization. https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/349316
