Position Statement on Women’s Mental Health in Relation to
Induced Abortion
14th March, 2008
In the Government Response to the
Report from the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee
on the Scientific Developments Relating to the Abortion Act 1967,
the following request was made:
“In view of the controversy on the
risk to mental health of induced abortion we recommend that the
Royal College of Psychiatrists update their 1994 report on this
issue”
The College has undertaken a
literature review to inform the following position statement, which
includes the recommendation that a full systematic review around
abortion and mental health is required.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists
is concerned to ensure that women’s mental health is protected
whether they seek abortion or continue with a pregnancy.
Mental disorders can occur for some
woman during pregnancy and after birth.
The specific issue of whether or not
induced abortion has harmful effects on women’s mental health
remains to be fully resolved. The current research evidence base is
inconclusive – some studies indicate no evidence of harm, whilst
other studies identify a range of mental disorders following
abortion.
Women with pre-existing psychiatric
disorders who continue with their pregnancy, as well as those with
psychiatric disorders who undergo abortion, will need appropriate
support and care. Liaison between services, and, where relevant,
with carers and advocates, is advisable.
Healthcare professionals who assess
or refer women who are requesting an abortion should assess for
mental disorder and for risk factors that may be associated with
its subsequent development. If a mental disorder or risk factors
are identified, there should be a clearly identified care pathway
whereby the mental health needs of the woman and her significant
others may be met.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists
recognises that good practice in relation to abortion will include
informed consent. Consent cannot be informed without the provision
of adequate and appropriate information regarding the possible
risks and benefits to physical and mental health. This may require
the updating of patient information leaflets approved by the
relevant Royal Colleges, and education and training to relevant
health care professionals, in order to develop a good practice
pathway.
These difficult and complex issues
should be addressed through additional systematic reviews led by
the Royal College of Psychiatrists into the relationship between
abortion and mental health. These reviews should consider whether
there is evidence for psychiatric indications for abortion.
Further
information on how the College came to this view.