Conceptions and misconceptions. Decisions about pregnancy

Induced abortion has been practiced in every known society and in every era of history. Psychological concomitants of abortion are as much a product of the social and interpersonal context as of the process itself. Though abortion results in the loss of a potential human life, it is not associated with significant psychiatric morbidity, and, in fact, represents for many women--and men--a significant milestone in which they assume responsibility for the direction of their lives for the first time. However, assertions that abortion is psychologically damaging have characterized much of the recent bitter debate over the legality and availability of abortion. It is important that mental health professionals are knowledgeable about the subject of abortion so that they can discuss policy with their patients.