Induced Abortion and Its Psychological Consequences
akhlāq-i pizishkī i.e., Medical Ethics,
Vol. 20 (1405),
13 July 2026
,
Page 1-13
https://doi.org/10.22037/mej.v20i.51564
Abstract
Background and Aim: Although induced abortion is considered part of women’s right to choose in many societies, evidence indicates that this experience can be associated with significant psychological consequences. This study aimed to review the psychological consequences of induced abortion and analyze the conflict between the right to choose and the principle of non-maleficence, with an emphasis on women’s mental health.
Methods: This study was a narrative review that was conducted in two main phases. In the first phase, eligible Persian- and English-language articles were identified and reviewed in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases and the Google Scholar search engine using English keywords, including induced abortion, psychological consequences, moral injury, non-maleficence, and no harm, along with their Persian equivalents in the SID database. In the second phase, the conflict between individual choice, or the principle of respect for the autonomy of pregnant women regarding induced abortion, and the principle of non-maleficence was explained and analyzed.
Ethical Considerations: In this study, principles of scientific integrity, accurate citation of sources, and respect for intellectual property rights were observed throughout all stages of manuscript preparation.
Results: The literature review indicated that the consequences of induced abortion can be classified into three main categories: psychological consequences, moral injury, and cultural, social, and individual factors affecting these consequences. In the psychological consequences category, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, complicated grief, shame, and guilt, and, in some studies, impairment in interpersonal relationships, sexual functioning, and long-term psychological adjustment were reported. Regarding the moral injury category, feelings of guilt, shame, and distress arising from conflicts between the abortion experience and personal or religious values and beliefs were reported. In the category of cultural, social, and individual factors, cultural and religious attitudes and beliefs, social stigma, economic and family pressures, social support, individual circumstances, and the alignment of decisions with personal values were among the most important factors associated with the severity and persistence of psychological consequences. An analysis of the conflict between a pregnant woman's right to choose induced abortion and the principle of non-maleficence indicates that harm prevention necessitates the provision of psychological counseling and support before decision-making, so that their choice does not subsequently lead to depression, anxiety, guilt, or moral distress. In fact, the ethical principle of respect for autonomy can be deemed to be genuinely upheld when the decision is made with full awareness of the complications and potential consequences of abortion.
Conclusion: The psychological consequences of induced abortion are not solely attributable to the abortion itself but are also associated with the circumstances surrounding the decision, cultural and social contexts, and the quality of psychological support. From a bioethical perspective, a balance should be maintained between respect for individual autonomy, prevention of psychological harm, and comprehensive support for women. Providing psychological counseling and social support before and after abortion may not only contribute to decisions to refrain from induced abortion but may also, when abortion does occur, play an effective role in reducing psychological harms.
- Induced Abortion
- Psychological Consequences
- Moral Injury
- Right to Choose
- Principle of Non-Maleficence
How to Cite
References
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