Are College Women Getting Abortions? Part-3 Women Campus

Emotional health

Jennica, a sophomore at Syracuse University, didn't need to deliberate much about her decision to have an abortion: She barely knew the father. "It was, unfortunately, an easy decision," she says. But the emotional effects of an abortion don't stop there. Jennica was surprised by her emotional reaction after the fact, despite how secure she was in her decision. "It was way more upsetting than I thought it would be," she says. "I still get emotional when I look at babies, and it was a while ago."

Mary, a freshman at UNC-Chapel Hill, never considered the emotional impact until she watched a friend deal with the emotional effects of having an abortion. "She had one because she was in school and definitely not prepared in any sense of the word to be a mother," Mary says. "I hadn't thought about it until my friend had one, but now I don't know if I could deal with all the emotions that accompany having an abortion."

When dealing with an abortion, you are bound to go through emotional periods. Recent studies have shown that depression is no more common in women who have abortions than women who have babies, but it's important to understand your feelings so that you can work through them.

"I am sometimes guilty about my decision, just because my partner doesn't know," says Tammy. "But in the long run I still think it was the right thing to do. I am so thankful for the staff at the clinic for supporting me and continuing to check up on my emotional state. They really saved my life."

No woman wants to face an unplanned pregnancy. But if sex is a part of your life, then pregnancy could be too. Abortion, adoption, or motherhood – it's important to consider what you would do in that situation.

Most importantly, if you are dealing with an unplanned pregnancy or abortion, you are not alone. Go to your local Planned Parenthood or check out these websites for information and support: