Will an Abortion Affect My Relationship with Him?
An unintended pregnancy can seem to throw a wrench into an otherwise happy relationship. Perhaps you’re considering abortion but are wondering how it could impact your relationship.
There could be a million things you’d like to say right now, or maybe you can’t find any words. The emotions to process may be overwhelming, and you may have countless questions swirling in your mind. So, take a deep breath. This decision doesn’t have to derail your relationship. While we can’t say exactly how abortion could affect your relationship, we do know the emotional toll it can take. We encourage you to get all the facts on abortion and explore all of your pregnancy options before making any decisions.
Keep reading to learn more about the impact of abortion on relationships and how you and your partner can make an informed and empowered decision together.
How Does Abortion Affect Relationships?
Every couple is different, so reactions to abortion vary. Some find it easier to process their emotions together and keep the relationship intact. Others find the experience to be too overwhelming and can’t find a way to work through their differences. However, studies have shown that abortion tends to have negative effects on relationships. For example, one study found that:
Couples who experienced abortion were more likely to argue about children and finances[1].
Men whose partners had an abortion reported feelings of jealousy and fights about drugs[1].
Women who had abortions were put at a greater risk for domestic violence and were more likely to experience sexual dysfunction[1].
Before making your decision, it’s essential to consider how abortion could affect your relationship and mental health and speak honestly with your partner about it.
How Does Abortion Affect Mental Health?
As mentioned above, abortion affects everyone in different ways. Some women report feeling relieved once the procedure is over. Others suffer from guilt, anxiety, and depression, sometimes immediately or sometimes years after their abortion[2].
Regardless of how you personally feel about abortion, things can still get complicated if you and your partner have different opinions about the final decision. This can make it harder to communicate with your partner, understand your own emotions, and sort out your disagreements.
How Can We Work Through Our Disagreements?
Maybe you want to be a parent, but he doesn’t. Perhaps he wants you to continue the pregnancy, but you’re leaning toward abortion. Maybe he’s left the decision up to you by saying, “I support whatever you want.” He means well, but what if the final decision hurts your relationship anyway? Sometimes, an outside perspective can introduce you to options you may not have considered.
If you and your partner are having trouble coming to a decision you both feel comfortable with, consider visiting with a nurse at Options Clinic. Our medical staff is here to provide all the facts on abortion in Montana, adoption, and parenting. We’ll answer whatever questions you may have, so you can make a fully informed decision together.
Abortion Information in Helena, MT
Don’t make a decision out of fear. Options Clinic is here to help you find a solution together. Give us a call at (406) 422-1011 or request your appointment today. All pregnancy services are confidential and free of charge.
Please be aware that Options Clinic does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Sources
Coleman, P. K., Rue, V. M., & Coyle, C. T. (2009, March 26). Induced abortion and intimate relationship quality in the Chicago Health and Social Life Survey. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19324381/
Abortion Risks. Louisiana Department of Health. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://ldh.la.gov/page/1063