Canadian Study Links Abortion to Higher Risk of Mental Health Hospitalization
A large-scale population study in Quebec has revealed a notable disparity in mental health hospitalization rates for women who have abortions compared to those who give birth.
The research looked at more than 1.2 million pregnancies between 2006 and 2022, with 28,721 induced abortions and 1,228,807 live births.
Women who had abortions experienced mental health–related hospitalizations at a rate of 104 per 10,000 person‑years, more than twice the rate seen after births, which was 42 per 10,000 person‑years.
The increased risk covered psychiatric conditions, substance use disorders, and suicide attempts.
Women under the age of 25 or those with a history of mental health conditions were especially vulnerable, showing significantly higher hospital admission rates.
The risk was most pronounced in the first five years after an abortion, and tended to decrease gradually over time, approaching the level seen in women who gave birth by around 17 years later.
It is important to note that while the association is strong, the study cautioned that it does not establish a direct causal link between abortion and mental health outcomes.
Instead the findings suggest that abortion may serve as a marker of an increased lifetime risk, and that screening and supportive interventions may be particularly valuable for women at higher risk.
Taken together, these findings point to the value of comprehensive follow-up care and mental health support after abortion, especially for those with known risk factors such as young age or prior psychiatric history.
As mental health care professionals and communities continue to adapt and improve resources, understanding these patterns can inform more sensitive and proactive approaches to patient care.
Ensuring access to mental health screening and support services post‑procedure may help identify those in need and reduce the potential for hospitalization over time.
Thank you for exploring this important public health issue and for remaining thoughtful and informed in how we support women’s mental well‑being.