Why Are People Pro Life? Pro Life Means Pro Women.

What do you think about when you hear the term “pro-life?” Do you think about a viewpoint intended to oppress women, or do you think about empowering women? Unfortunately, the media is doing an effective job at redefining pro-life to mean “anti-woman.” This could not be further from the truth.

Pro-life is pro-woman, and Caring Network is committed to the enriching the lives of women in addition to being a voice for their preborn children. At our pregnancy centers, women will receive services and support that empower and encourage. To find out more about our work , or to learn about how to get involved , reach out to us today!

Let’s discuss the truth about how abortion harms women and why pro-life is indeed a pro-woman position.

Abortion Harms Women

Far too many have been tricked into believing that the availability of abortion is pro-woman. But a perspective that is pro-woman will not embrace practices that harm women, and we know that abortion can harm women mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

ABORTION HARMS WOMEN’S MENTAL HEALTH

The largest study ever conducted regarding abortion and mental health revealed that, despite arguments to the contrary, abortion has a negative impact on a woman’s mental health. The study was a meta-analysis (a study of many studies brought together) that included 877,181 women of which 163,831 had abortions.

The study revealed:

Overall, there is a moderate to high increased risk of mental health problems for women who chose abortion compared to women who gave birth after an unplanned pregnancy.

Women who have had abortions had a 34% higher rate of anxiety, a 37% higher rate of depression, a 110% higher rate of alcohol use/misuse, a 230% higher rate of marijuana use, and 155% higher rate of suicidal behavior than women who have given birth.

There is an 81% increase of mental health problems in women who have had an abortion compared to women who have not had an abortion. 10% of that can be attributed directly to the effects of the abortion.

Women who aborted their unplanned pregnancies have a 55% higher risk of mental health problems compared to women who gave birth.

Abortion not only negatively impacts women mentally, but also emotionally and spiritually.

ABORTION HARMS WOMEN’S EMOTIONAL AND SPIRITUAL HEALTH

The mere process of deciding to have an abortion can be traumatic. God designs women to fiercely protect their children. Having an abortion goes against that God-given design, which is why so many women suffer from Post Abortion Stress Syndrome (PASS) after an abortion. PASS can affect a woman soon after an abortion or even decades later. Some women report feeling relief after their abortions, but are shocked when PASS symptoms arise after several years.

PASS is a form of post-traumatic stress disorder and some symptoms include:

Grief
Guilt
Shame
Suicidal thoughts
Anxiety
Depression
Anniversary reminders of the abortion or due date
Nightmares
Experiencing triggers when a sound, sight or smell reminds them of the abortion
Fear
Desire to get pregnant to “replace” the baby she aborted (“atonement baby”)

The American Psychological Association nor the American Psychiatric Association acknowledges PASS, but we know it impacts women profoundly, because we hear their stories. At Caring Network, we compassionately care for women (and men) who are suffering after their abortions. Caring Network offers a faith-based, safe place to heal through our Restore After Abortion Program.

Pro-Life Empowers Women

Ultimately, pro-life is pro-woman because it empowers women rather than harms them.

Caring Network gives women all of the vital and accurate information they need about parenting, adoption and abortion. So many women consider abortion because they are scared or because their partners or parents are pressuring them to have an abortion. In their hearts, they don’t want an abortion, but they just can’t see another solution.

At Caring Network, women learn they are capable and strong. We listen to their fears and help them navigate solutions and resources. Women discover they are overcomers who can exercise their own wills and stand up for what they believe is right. They learn how to recognize coercion and to not give away their power by giving in to outside pressure of any kind.

Women leave being understood, unharmed, inspired, equipped, and empowered to make informed decisions.

That is why pro-life is pro-woman.

Caring Network has been supporting women in need since 1981. Our compassionate staff and medical team provide the care and support clients need to help navigate an unplanned pregnancy. We also offer a myriad of resources and referrals to ensure women and their families are set up for long-term success. If you’d like to hear more about our services or ways to partner with us in our work, contact us for more information.

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References:

Johnson, Trudy M. (n.d.). Feelings After Abortion: Post-Abortion Syndrome. Retrieved from: https://www.lifesitenews.com/resources/abortion/abortion-risks/feelings-after-abortion-post-abortion-syndrome
Illinois Right to Life. (n.d.). Pro-Life is Pro-Woman. Retrieved from: https://illinoisrighttolife.org/pro-life-is-pro-woman/
Brittish Journal of Psychiatry. (2011, September). Abortion and mental health: quantitative synthesis and analysis of research published 1995–2009. Retrieved from: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/the-british-journal-of-psychiatry/article/abortion-and-mental-health-quantitative-synthesis-and-analysis-of-research-published-19952009/E8D556AAE1C1D2F0F8B060B28BEE6C3D