Congratulations to Agatha Bodwell for her letter in the Cape Cod Times
After effects of abortion deserve compassion
Posted Jan. 27, 2015 @ 2:01 am Cape Cod Times
On the 42nd anniversary of Roe v. Wade, we not only mourn the loss of 56 million children that were never born, but we also offer compassion to their parents who may still be carrying the burden of grief and regret. The psychological consequences of abortion can be devastating. Some sad and lesser-known statistics regarding the aftereffects of abortion include:
• Women have a 65 percent higher risk of clinical depression following abortion vs. childbirth.
• 65 percent of women suffer symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder following abortion.
• Suicide rates among women who have abortions are six times higher than those who give birth.
• Excluding women with a prior history of substance abuse, those who abort their first pregnancy are five times more likely to report subsequent drug and alcohol abuse vs. those who give birth.
Men and women who are still suffering from an abortion in their past can find healing and peace by reaching out to organizations like Project Rachel, Rachel's Vineyard, Fatherhood Forever and, locally, Learn Your Options.
Agatha Bodwell
