This document discusses the psychological effects of abortion on women. It examines common psychological problems experienced after abortion like nervous disorders, sleep disturbances, and regret. Factors influencing a woman's decision to abort like finances, age, and health are also discussed. Global abortion practices in regions like Asia, Africa, and Latin America are reviewed. The document also looks at unsafe abortion practices, pre-abortion counseling, and the psychological aftermath of abortion. It considers perspectives on this issue from both pro-choice and pro-life positions.
https://docs.google.com/document/edit?id=1jnhQnFIQuMOgJdMGDoZFhVo1e5ByfOzkG6mjduTq5pY&hl=en#; Look for the text in another presentation by same author, same title
RxP International presents Gender and Psychiatric DrugsRXP International
This powerpoint presentation is presented by RxP International to provide information for mental health and medical professionals pertaining to gender differences in pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, disease prevalence, adverse drug reactions and theories about why women are more likely to present with disease. Differences in drug metabolism, distribution and elimination are included. Impact of oral contraceptives are reviewed.
https://docs.google.com/document/edit?id=1jnhQnFIQuMOgJdMGDoZFhVo1e5ByfOzkG6mjduTq5pY&hl=en#; Look for the text in another presentation by same author, same title
RxP International presents Gender and Psychiatric DrugsRXP International
This powerpoint presentation is presented by RxP International to provide information for mental health and medical professionals pertaining to gender differences in pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, disease prevalence, adverse drug reactions and theories about why women are more likely to present with disease. Differences in drug metabolism, distribution and elimination are included. Impact of oral contraceptives are reviewed.
Presentation "Sexuality Beyond Menopause" presented by Relationship Counselor and Clinical Sexologist Dr. Martha Tara Lee of Eros Coaching at Malaysian International Conference on Menopause on Sun 7 July 2019.
About Dr. Martha Tara Lee
Dr. Martha Tara Lee is Relationship Counselor and Clinical Sexologist of Eros Coaching. She is a certified sexuality educator with AASECT (American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists) as well as certified sexologist with ACS (American College of Sexologists). Martha holds a Doctorate in Human Sexuality, Masters in Counseling, Certificates in Sex Therapy, Practical Counselling and Life Coaching, as well as two other degrees. She was recognised as one of ¡®Top 50 Inspiring Women under 40¡ä by Her World Singapore in July 2010 and ¡®Top 100 Inspiring Women by CozyCot Singapore in March 2011.
Subscribe so you don't miss a thing! http://www.ErosCoaching.com
Social media links
https://www.facebook.com/eroscoaching
https://twitter.com/drmarthalee
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leemartha
Programs
Ready Get Sex Go http://www.eroscoaching.com/rgsg
Sex Jumpstart http://www.eroscoaching.com/sex-jumpstart
Tongue Twisters http://www.eroscoaching.com/tongue-twisters
Sex Possible http://www.eroscoaching.com/sex-possible
Clean and Clear http://www.eroscoaching.com/clean-and-clear
Books
Orgasmic Yoga: Masturbation, Meditation and Everything In-Between https://www.amazon.com/Orgasmic-Yoga-Masturbation-Meditation-Between/dp/1515118193
Love, Sex and Everything In Between https://www.amazon.com/Love-Sex-Everything-Between-Martha/dp/9814484199/ref=reg_hu-rd_add_1_dp
From Princess to Queen http://www.eroscoaching.com/queen
{Un}Inhihibited http://www.uninhibited.asia
Chair Claudia Holzman presents her latest research on Epidemiology: Sex/Gender and Health at the Gender Matters interdisciplinary forum on February 26, 2016
Are you tired of being tired ? See how to improve your sleep efficiency with a help of sleep medicine center located in Chicago called ' The Center for Sleep Medicine'. We helps you to prevent from sleep disorder problem to lead a happy and healthy life. To get appointment visit www.sleepmedcenter.com.
In Europe 84 million people are estimated to be affected by mental illnesses, which are thus becoming a major issue. Stress is often the trigger for the arise of such illnesses: in fact, it has been observed that prolonged mental stress can impair Autonomic Nervous System’s functionalities and - in particular - the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches.
The indicator most often employed to evaluate such balance is the Heart Rate Variability, which accounts for the capability of the ANS to regulate the cardiac rhythm. This mechanism has been observed to significantly vary according to sex, as well as the predisposition to different mental illness and as the reaction to psychopharmaceuticals. In such a context, understanding how - and if- sex differences account for a different impact on mental stress on HRV may help in providing specific therapies, as they would be targeted precisely for the individual based on their gender. This would allow a more accurate and personalized approach towards mental illnesses.
To do so, we confronted the HRV - measured on 24-hours ECG recordings - of working man and women and their perceived stress, assessed through clinical standard surveys.
Cancer is one of the most common diseases in the world. Stress is a common experience among cancer patients.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network (2017) defines cancer-related psychological distress as an:
“ unpleasant emotional experience of a Mental, Physical, Social, or Spiritual nature. It can affect the way you think, feel, or act. Distress may make it harder to cope with having cancer, its symptoms, or its treatment. ”
Daily health update of 11/04/2015 from Poway Chiropractor Dr. Rode of Rode Chiropractic in Poway, CA 92064. The latest daily health and chiropractic information.
Brain scans of men experiencing orgasms showed that the most exciting region of the brain is the ventral tegmental region. So, here we are unraveling some facts on Indian male masturbation and the benefits of masturbation for males.
The Role of Spirituality in Helping African American Wom.docxkathleen23456789
The Role of Spirituality in
Helping African American
Women with Histories of
Trauma and Substance
Abuse Heal and Recover
Joan Marie Blakey
There is increased interest in spirituality and the role it plays in helping in-
dividuals with histories of trauma and addiction heal and recover. Using the
Case Study method, the purpose of this study was to highlight the ways 26
African American women with histories of trauma and substance abuse used
spirituality during the recovery process. Data analysis revealed components
of a spiritual process that were used to facilitate healing and recovery. The
first component, reclaiming spirituality, involved helping women reclaim and
reconnect to their spirituality or spiritual practices that brought them solace
and comfort. Finding meaning, the second component, consisted of helping the
women find meaning and purpose for their lives. Trusting the process, the third
component entailed building the women’s capacity to trust the process and to a
lesser extent, surrender. Finally, active faith involved helping the women learn
to rely on their faith in God rather than turning to drugs when obstacles and
challenges arose. This study’s findings revealed that spirituality can be an ef-
fective tool that promotes and facilitates recovery. Nonetheless, professionals
need to recognize that not all women want to develop and nurture a spiritual
life and that they must take their lead from them.
A
frican american women have relied on Spirituality (e.g.
individual’s belief, faith in, and personal relationship with God/
higher power that transcends human limitations, restores them to
well-being, and loves them unconditionally) to cope with unimaginable
experiences such as slavery, racism, domestic violence, rape, as well as
other forms of interpersonal trauma (i.e. childhood and adult victimization
that causes significant psychological distress and functional impairment)
Social Work & Christianity, Vol. 43, No. 1 (2016), 40–59
Journal of the North American Association of Christians in Social Work
41
(Brome, Owens, Allen, & Vevaina, 2000; Bryant-Davis, 2005; Potter, 2007;
Stevens-Watkins, Sharma, Knighton, Oser, & Leukefeld, 2014). Spirituality
is a significant part of many African American women’s daily lives. They
derive a great deal of fulfillment and solace from their religious practices
and faith in God (Ahrens, Abeling, Ahmad, & Hinman, 2009; Hooks, 2003;
Stevens-Watkins et al., 2014; Yick, 2008).
Moreover, spirituality can counter the negative effects of oppression
and trauma as well as contribute to positive mental health outcomes among
African American women (Brome et al., 2000; Paranjape & Kaslow, 2010;
Washington, Moxley, Garriot, & Weinberger, 2009; Watlington & Murphy,
2006). Studies have reported that spirituality is related to increased well-
being, decreased levels of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD) symptomology, longer periods of sob.
Presentation "Sexuality Beyond Menopause" presented by Relationship Counselor and Clinical Sexologist Dr. Martha Tara Lee of Eros Coaching at Malaysian International Conference on Menopause on Sun 7 July 2019.
About Dr. Martha Tara Lee
Dr. Martha Tara Lee is Relationship Counselor and Clinical Sexologist of Eros Coaching. She is a certified sexuality educator with AASECT (American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists) as well as certified sexologist with ACS (American College of Sexologists). Martha holds a Doctorate in Human Sexuality, Masters in Counseling, Certificates in Sex Therapy, Practical Counselling and Life Coaching, as well as two other degrees. She was recognised as one of ¡®Top 50 Inspiring Women under 40¡ä by Her World Singapore in July 2010 and ¡®Top 100 Inspiring Women by CozyCot Singapore in March 2011.
Subscribe so you don't miss a thing! http://www.ErosCoaching.com
Social media links
https://www.facebook.com/eroscoaching
https://twitter.com/drmarthalee
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leemartha
Programs
Ready Get Sex Go http://www.eroscoaching.com/rgsg
Sex Jumpstart http://www.eroscoaching.com/sex-jumpstart
Tongue Twisters http://www.eroscoaching.com/tongue-twisters
Sex Possible http://www.eroscoaching.com/sex-possible
Clean and Clear http://www.eroscoaching.com/clean-and-clear
Books
Orgasmic Yoga: Masturbation, Meditation and Everything In-Between https://www.amazon.com/Orgasmic-Yoga-Masturbation-Meditation-Between/dp/1515118193
Love, Sex and Everything In Between https://www.amazon.com/Love-Sex-Everything-Between-Martha/dp/9814484199/ref=reg_hu-rd_add_1_dp
From Princess to Queen http://www.eroscoaching.com/queen
{Un}Inhihibited http://www.uninhibited.asia
Chair Claudia Holzman presents her latest research on Epidemiology: Sex/Gender and Health at the Gender Matters interdisciplinary forum on February 26, 2016
Are you tired of being tired ? See how to improve your sleep efficiency with a help of sleep medicine center located in Chicago called ' The Center for Sleep Medicine'. We helps you to prevent from sleep disorder problem to lead a happy and healthy life. To get appointment visit www.sleepmedcenter.com.
In Europe 84 million people are estimated to be affected by mental illnesses, which are thus becoming a major issue. Stress is often the trigger for the arise of such illnesses: in fact, it has been observed that prolonged mental stress can impair Autonomic Nervous System’s functionalities and - in particular - the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches.
The indicator most often employed to evaluate such balance is the Heart Rate Variability, which accounts for the capability of the ANS to regulate the cardiac rhythm. This mechanism has been observed to significantly vary according to sex, as well as the predisposition to different mental illness and as the reaction to psychopharmaceuticals. In such a context, understanding how - and if- sex differences account for a different impact on mental stress on HRV may help in providing specific therapies, as they would be targeted precisely for the individual based on their gender. This would allow a more accurate and personalized approach towards mental illnesses.
To do so, we confronted the HRV - measured on 24-hours ECG recordings - of working man and women and their perceived stress, assessed through clinical standard surveys.
Cancer is one of the most common diseases in the world. Stress is a common experience among cancer patients.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network (2017) defines cancer-related psychological distress as an:
“ unpleasant emotional experience of a Mental, Physical, Social, or Spiritual nature. It can affect the way you think, feel, or act. Distress may make it harder to cope with having cancer, its symptoms, or its treatment. ”
Daily health update of 11/04/2015 from Poway Chiropractor Dr. Rode of Rode Chiropractic in Poway, CA 92064. The latest daily health and chiropractic information.
Brain scans of men experiencing orgasms showed that the most exciting region of the brain is the ventral tegmental region. So, here we are unraveling some facts on Indian male masturbation and the benefits of masturbation for males.
The Role of Spirituality in Helping African American Wom.docxkathleen23456789
The Role of Spirituality in
Helping African American
Women with Histories of
Trauma and Substance
Abuse Heal and Recover
Joan Marie Blakey
There is increased interest in spirituality and the role it plays in helping in-
dividuals with histories of trauma and addiction heal and recover. Using the
Case Study method, the purpose of this study was to highlight the ways 26
African American women with histories of trauma and substance abuse used
spirituality during the recovery process. Data analysis revealed components
of a spiritual process that were used to facilitate healing and recovery. The
first component, reclaiming spirituality, involved helping women reclaim and
reconnect to their spirituality or spiritual practices that brought them solace
and comfort. Finding meaning, the second component, consisted of helping the
women find meaning and purpose for their lives. Trusting the process, the third
component entailed building the women’s capacity to trust the process and to a
lesser extent, surrender. Finally, active faith involved helping the women learn
to rely on their faith in God rather than turning to drugs when obstacles and
challenges arose. This study’s findings revealed that spirituality can be an ef-
fective tool that promotes and facilitates recovery. Nonetheless, professionals
need to recognize that not all women want to develop and nurture a spiritual
life and that they must take their lead from them.
A
frican american women have relied on Spirituality (e.g.
individual’s belief, faith in, and personal relationship with God/
higher power that transcends human limitations, restores them to
well-being, and loves them unconditionally) to cope with unimaginable
experiences such as slavery, racism, domestic violence, rape, as well as
other forms of interpersonal trauma (i.e. childhood and adult victimization
that causes significant psychological distress and functional impairment)
Social Work & Christianity, Vol. 43, No. 1 (2016), 40–59
Journal of the North American Association of Christians in Social Work
41
(Brome, Owens, Allen, & Vevaina, 2000; Bryant-Davis, 2005; Potter, 2007;
Stevens-Watkins, Sharma, Knighton, Oser, & Leukefeld, 2014). Spirituality
is a significant part of many African American women’s daily lives. They
derive a great deal of fulfillment and solace from their religious practices
and faith in God (Ahrens, Abeling, Ahmad, & Hinman, 2009; Hooks, 2003;
Stevens-Watkins et al., 2014; Yick, 2008).
Moreover, spirituality can counter the negative effects of oppression
and trauma as well as contribute to positive mental health outcomes among
African American women (Brome et al., 2000; Paranjape & Kaslow, 2010;
Washington, Moxley, Garriot, & Weinberger, 2009; Watlington & Murphy,
2006). Studies have reported that spirituality is related to increased well-
being, decreased levels of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD) symptomology, longer periods of sob.
Relationship Counselor and Clinical Sexologist Dr. Martha Tara Lee of Eros Coaching spoke on "Dealing with Female Sexuality" at the Malaysian International Scientific Congress of O&G (MISCOF 2018) on 29 July 2018 at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
bout Dr. Martha Tara Lee
Dr. Martha Tara Lee is Relationship Counselor and Clinical Sexologist of Eros Coaching. She is a certified sexuality educator with AASECT (American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists) as well as certified sexologist with ACS (American College of Sexologists). Martha holds a Doctorate in Human Sexuality, Masters in Counseling, Certificates in Sex Therapy, Practical Counselling and Life Coaching, as well as two other degrees. She was recognised as one of ‘Top 50 Inspiring Women under 40′ by Her World Singapore in July 2010 and ‘Top 100 Inspiring Women by CozyCot Singapore in March 2011.
Subscribe so you don't miss a thing! http://www.ErosCoaching.com
Social media links
https://www.facebook.com/eroscoaching
https://twitter.com/drmarthalee
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leemartha
Programs
Ready Get Sex Go http://www.eroscoaching.com/rgsg
Sex Jumpstart http://www.eroscoaching.com/sex-jumpstart
Tongue Twisters http://www.eroscoaching.com/tongue-twisters
Sex Possible http://www.eroscoaching.com/sex-possible
Clean and Clear http://www.eroscoaching.com/clean-and-clear
Books
Orgasmic Yoga: Masturbation, Meditation and Everything In-Between https://www.amazon.com/Orgasmic-Yoga-Masturbation-Meditation-Between/dp/1515118193
Love, Sex and Everything In Between https://www.amazon.com/Love-Sex-Everything-Between-Martha/dp/9814484199/ref=reg_hu-rd_add_1_dp
From Princess to Queen http://www.eroscoaching.com/queen
1ReferencesAmerican College of Obstetricians and Gynecolog.docxfelicidaddinwoodie
1
References
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2010). ACOG Committee
Opinion No. 343: Psychosocial risk factors: Perinatal screening and intervention.Obstetrics and Gynecology Committee, 108(2), 469–477.
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.), Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
Almond, P. (2009). Postnatal depression: a global public health perspective; Perspectives in public health: 129(5): 221–7.
Ashworth, P., & Greasley (2009). The phenomenology of approach to studying: The idiographic
turn. Studies in Higher Education, 34(5), 561-576.
Baker, L., & Oswalt, K. (2008). Screening for postpartum depression in a rural community. Community Ment Health J 44:171–180.
Babbie, E. (2014). The practice of social research, (13th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.
Beck, C.T. (2012). Postpartum depression: It isn’t just the blues. American Journal of
Nursing, 106(5), 40–50.
Borra, C., Lacovou, M. & Sevilla, A. (2015).New Evidence on Breastfeeding and Postpartum Depression: The Importance of Understanding Women’s Intentions. Maternal and Child Health Journal, 19(4), 897-907.
Beck, C.T. (2006). Postpartum depression: It isn’t just the blues. American Journal of
Nursing, 106(5), 40–50.
Brockington, I. F., McDonald, E., & Wainscott, G. (2006). Anxiety, obsession, and
morbid preoccupation in pregnancy. Archives of Women’s Mental Health, 9, 253-
263.
Berglund, S. (2008). Competing Everyday Discourses: The Construction of Heterosexual Risk-Taking Behavior among Adolescents in Nicaragua. Malmö: Malmö högskola, Hälsa och samhälle, 250.
Bernard. H.R. & Ryan, G. (2010). Qualitative data analysis. Systematic approaches. Thousand Oaks:29-35.
Braunack-Mayer, A. and Louise, J. (2008). The Ethics of Community Empowerment: tensions in health promotion theory and practice. IUHPE – Promotion & Education, 15(3), 5-8.
Buchanan, D. R. (2008). Autonomy, paternalism, and justice: Ethical priorities in public
health. American Journal of Public Health, 98(1), 15–21.
Buetow, S. A. (2005). To care is to coprovide. Annals of Family Medicine, 3(6), 553–
555.
Buist, A. (2006). Perinatal depression: Assessment and management. Australian Family
107 Physician, 35(9), 670–673.
Buetow, S. (2011). Person-Centered Care: bridging current models of the clinician patient relationship; International Journal of Person Centered Medicine1 (1), 196-203.
Chaudron, L. H., Kitzman, H. J., Szilagyi, P. G., Sidora-Arcoleo, K., & Anson, E. (2006).
Changes in maternal depressive symptoms across the postpartum year at well
child care visits. Ambulatory Pediatrics, 6, 221–224.
Corwin, E.J. & Arbour, M. (2007). Postpartum fatigue and evidence-based interventions: The American journal of maternal child nursing; 32(4): 215–20; quiz 21–2.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2012). Prevalence of self-reported
postpartum depressive symptoms—17 states, 2004-2005. Morbidity and Mortality ...
Sexual health and function for women with pelvic floor disordersDr. Martha Tara Lee
"Sexual health and function for women with pelvic floor disorders" presented at Urofair Nursing Symposium at Grand Hyatt Hotel, on Sat 14 July 2018
About Dr. Martha Tara Lee
Dr. Martha Tara Lee is Relationship Counselor and Clinical Sexologist of Eros Coaching. She is a certified sexuality educator with AASECT (American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists) as well as certified sexologist with ACS (American College of Sexologists). Martha holds a Doctorate in Human Sexuality, Masters in Counseling, Certificates in Sex Therapy, Practical Counselling and Life Coaching, as well as two other degrees. She was recognised as one of ‘Top 50 Inspiring Women under 40′ by Her World Singapore in July 2010 and ‘Top 100 Inspiring Women by CozyCot Singapore in March 2011.
Subscribe so you don't miss a thing! http://www.ErosCoaching.com
Social media links
https://www.facebook.com/eroscoaching
https://twitter.com/drmarthalee
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leemartha
Programs
Ready Get Sex Go http://www.eroscoaching.com/rgsg
Sex Jumpstart http://www.eroscoaching.com/sex-jumpstart
Tongue Twisters http://www.eroscoaching.com/tongue-twisters
Sex Possible http://www.eroscoaching.com/sex-possible
Clean and Clear http://www.eroscoaching.com/clean-and-clear
Books
Orgasmic Yoga: Masturbation, Meditation and Everything In-Between https://www.amazon.com/Orgasmic-Yoga-Masturbation-Meditation-Between/dp/1515118193
Love, Sex and Everything In Between https://www.amazon.com/Love-Sex-Everything-Between-Martha/dp/9814484199/ref=reg_hu-rd_add_1_dp
From Princess to Queen http://www.eroscoaching.com/queen
1. What are the Psychological Affects of Abortion on Women?
Argosy University/Atlanta Campus
Advanced General Psychology
Professor: Katina Clarke
October 24, 2010
By: Jamil Allen
PSY 492
3. FACTORS THAT PLAY A ROLE IN
MAKING THE DECISION TO ABORT
Finances
Living Arrangements
Age
Future Endeavors
General Health Concerns
Relationship Status
Religion
10. SHOULD WOMEN RECEIVE PRE-
ABORTION COUNSELING
Potential Questions
Other Issues
Suicide
11. WHEN WOMEN ATTEND PRE-ABORTION
COUNSELING, HOW HONEST ARE THEY IN
DIVULGING THEIR TRUE FEELINGS?
How Counseling Questions are Answered
The Integrity of the Counseling Session
Accountability
12. REFERENCES:
Correa, Sonia (2003). Women and health; abortion is a global political issue.
Women’s International Network News, 29 (3), 12.
Walden, Rachel (2008). The apa releases new report: abortion no threat to mental
health. The Women’s Health Activist, 33 (6), 11.
Hess, Rosanna F. (2007). Women’s stories of abortion in southern gabon, africa.
Journal of Transcultural Nursing, 18 (1), 41.
deVeber, L.L., Gentles, Ian, Singh, Sukhbir S., Fisher, William A. (2005).
Psychological aftermath of abortion. Journal of Canadian Medical Association,
173 (5), 466.
Broen, Anne N., Mourn, Torbjorn, Bodtker, Anne S., Ekeberg, Oivind (2004).
Psychological impact on women of miscarriage versus induced abortion: a two
year follow-up study. Psychosomatic Medicine, 66 (2), 265.
13. REFERENCES CONTINUED…
Anonymous (2008). Women should be offered post-abortion
psychological care. The Lancet, 372 (9639), 602.
Lakritz, Naomi (2009). Women’s real oppressors are those
who say abortion doesn’t hurt them. Calgary Herald, 24.
Waldman, Steven; Ackerman, Elise; Reed, Cheryl L.;
Greenberg, Ilan; Cutter, Natela; Sieder, Jill, J.; Lavelle,
Marianne (1998). Abortions in america. U.S. News and
World Report, 20.
Dube, Jonathan (1998). After the abortion. The Washington
Monthly, 24-27.
Arthur, Joyce (1997). Psychological aftereffects of abortion.
Humanist 7-9.
A nervous disorder can be described as, “a physical condition in which there is a disturbance of normal functioning (Free Dictionary).” Abortions can contribute greatly to this disorder, it can cause some women to experience a great deal of anxiety and high stress levels. Some examples of sleep disturbances are: insomnia, sleep apnea, and sleepwalking, the lack of sleep can result in poor job performance and withdrawal from family and friends. A common reaction post abortion, is to regret their decision; feeling as if they made the wrong choice or feeling guilty about their choice is common amongst these women. If these problems persist and continue to escalate the enlistment of a psychiatrist is a good option to begin the road to emotional recovery.
Often times, when choosing to make this decision there are multiple factors that can play a major role in ultimately deciding to abort. Many women may not have the financial stability to take care of themselves and a child. Some women may live with their parents or in poor living conditions and choose not to have a child until they are married and are more stable. Age is also an important factor that should be considered, being to young or to old can prohibit someone from responsibly nurturing and caring for an infant. Finishing high school or college, gaining employment, buying a house are some examples of future endeavors some women may consider when making their decision. Health or lack of is also a major key factor in this decision making process because high risk pregnancies may result in the death of the mother or the child. The status of a relationship can be a determining factor as well, being single, unmarried, or being in an unhealthy partnership can make some women feel they want to abort. Religion is also a factor that can play a part in the guilt and shame one feels after a procedure like an abortion. Overall, they have their own compelling reasons for making their decision.
“In Asia 16 countries allow abortion on request, 17 countries permit abortion to save the woman’s life and 13 permit it under more restrictive circumstances. In Africa, abortion is available on request in only 5 out of 53 countries-Ghana, Burkina Faso, South Africa, Seychelles and Tunisia. In Latin America abortion is practically illegal everywhere with the exception of two states in Mexico the Federal District and Yucatan. In Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, and some other states in Mexico, the procedure is available under specific circumstances, particularly in the case of rape. In the Caribbean abortion is legal in four countries, Barbados, Cuba, Guyana, and Puerto Rico (Correa, 2003).”
“In 1995, approximately 26 million abortions and 20 million unsafe abortions took place, roughly one million of them in Brazil alone. In Peru, Chile, and Dominican Republic, abortion-related mortality rates are estimated to be 20 times what is registered for the United States. Who estimates that between 1995 and 2000, unsafe abortions resulted in about 78, 000 maternal deaths, and that one maternal death in eight is due to abortion-related complications. Abortion is known to be a major killer of African women: 110 deaths per 100,000 live births (Correa, 2003).”
"Researchers on the aftereffects of abortion have identified a pattern of psychological problems known as Post-Abortion Syndrome (PAS). Women suffering PAS may experience drug and alcohol abuse, personal relationship disorders, sexual dysfunction, repeated abortions, communications difficulties, damaged self-esteem, and even attempt suicide. At the time, the APA reviewed the evidence and concluded, the best available studies on psychological responses following legal, nonrestrictive abortion in the United States suggest that severe negative reactions are infrequent. The overall finding was there is no credible evidence that single elective abortion of an unwanted pregnancy in and of itself causes mental health problems for adult women (Walden, 2008).”
“Increasing numbers of post abortion counseling services are being developed in North America and around the world. The largest in the United States is Project Rachel, which has many chapters, including several in Canada. Thousands of women are being helped by these services, sometimes long after the abortion, but there are undoubtedly many more who do not go for help. The Healing Choice post abortion counseling service, which is prochoice, estimates that at least 10% of women who have undergone abortion need counseling for psychological problems associated with the procedure (deVeber, 2005).”
“Pro-choice advocates maintain that the most common reaction to abortion is relief, because the procedure ends a stressful unwanted pregnancy. Pro-life advocates, on the other hand, cite evidence for what they call post-abortion stress or "Post-Abortion Syndrome," whose symptoms are said to include abortion flashbacks, relationship problems, guilt, severe depression, low self-esteem, substance abuse, and even suicidal tendencies. Counselors say the people involved suffer pain, depression, and unresolved grief; all magnified because they suffer silently. Thus the healing process requires individuals to acknowledge that a death has occurred and that grieving and forgiveness of their "sin" are necessary. In order to heal, the theory states, a woman must personify the "baby" and accept its death before she can move on (Dube, 1998).”
Women are torn between deciding the future of their unborn child and in some countries; abortion is prohibited under any circumstances. Another prevailing argument is the status of the woman’s mental health before having this procedure. This is one the toughest decisions a woman will ever make in her lifetime, so her mental stability after the procedure can be jeopardized.
Are you absolutely sure about your decision? Have you explored any other options? Does your partner support your decision? “Other issues to be discussed are: depression, psychological distress, and increased risk of suicidal ideation and suicide (Walden, 2008).” Feelings of suicide post abortion is a thought that women may have, dealing with the grief and thoughts of what could have been, can be very overwhelming. It is very important for these women to see professional help and have support from their loved ones. Although they made the decision to abort, they may not be mentally stable enough to deal with their decision.
This question would help to identify whether or not these women answer the questions based on their circumstances or based on how they really feel about the procedure. I feel these counseling sessions serve a great importance, but the integrity of the service is jeopardized if the women answer the counselor’s questions dishonestly so that they can proceed with the procedure. These women should be held accountable if they do not answer the counselor’s questions truthfully, it is imperative that they receive ultimate care during this process. However, it is no way of knowing if the woman is being honest until it is too late. I feel understanding these types of underlying issues will help to make this experience a little better for those who choose to embark on it.