Family advocates are concerned the report by the American Psychological Association (APA), to be released next month, will ignore the negative and harmful consequences of abortion.
In past reports, the APA has ignored research that abortion is physically and emotionally damaging to women. Psychologist Warren Throckmorton, associate professor at Grove City College, doesn't anticipate a change in the upcoming report.
"From the point of view of the APA – the history of the APA – it seems unlikely that much change will occur," he said. "Many times the official stance is that relief is the main emotional reaction (of post-abortive women)."
Carrie Gordon Earll, senior bioethics analyst for Focus on the Family Action, said years of analysis proves otherwise.
"Published research in recent years finds abortion is a risk factor for post-traumatic stress syndrome, increased risks for suicides and even serious psychological problems," she said. "And this applies to any woman not just an isolated sub-group of women who’ve experienced abortion.”
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