Brook and FPA respond to review of abortion and mental health

The sexual health charities FPA and Brook welcome today's publication of Induced Abortion and Mental Health, a systematic review published by the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges.

In a joint statement they said:
“This review of evidence will reassure women who have had or are thinking about having an abortion that it's a safe procedure with no direct impact on their mental health(1).

“It also supports our shared view (gained from years of experience) that mandatory counselling for women having an abortion, is patronising and completely unnecessary.

“Giving women accurate and honest information about abortion is essential and is something that FPA and Brook take extremely seriously. However, we know that misinformation about mental health can be used as a scare tactic by third parties, to try and deter women from considering abortion.

“We hope this new report will prevent this type of scaremongering and ensure women receive the non-judgemental support and information they need.”

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1. A recent report from the Royal College of Gynaecologists, The Care of Women Requesting Induced Abortion (PDF), found that if women had a history of mental health problems, having an abortion might make them more likely to recur.

For further information please contact the FPA press office on 020 7608 5265/5264. Mobile 07958 921060.

The sexual health charity FPA champions the importance of good sexual health for everyone. We educate, inform, support and campaign for people across the UK. The Family Planning Association is a registered charity, number 250187.

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